Lab Leader's Edge

Welcome to Episode 3 of Lab Leader’s Edge, the podcast for lab professionals who want to take their lab leadership and operations to the next level.In this continuation of our barcode series, Dr. George Ambartsoumian and sample management expert John Wagner move beyond the “why” and dive into the how of barcode implementation in biobanks.If Episode 2 explored the benefits of barcoding, this episode walks you through the practical decisions every biobank must make when implementing a barcode system, including choosing the right barcode type, selecting labels, printers, software, and scanners.💡 What You’ll Learn• The difference between 1D and 2D barcodes — and why 2D codes like Data Matrix are often ideal for biobanking• How container size and surface type affect barcode selection• How SnapPEEL® technology allows labeling both the cap and side of a vial in one step• Step-by-step guidance on mapping workflows before implementing barcoding• How barcodes improve sample collection, processing, storage, and retrieval• What to consider when selecting cryogenic labels for different temperature ranges• Thermal transfer vs direct thermal vs laser vs inkjet printing — and when each makes sense• When to use preprinted labels vs on-demand printing• How to choose the right barcode software and integrate it with your LIMS• The difference between label printing software and full LIMS platforms• How to select the right barcode scanner — laser vs imaging, wired vs wireless, real-time vs batchThis episode gives you a complete foundation for building a durable, scalable barcode system in demanding biobank environments — including cryogenic storage.📌 If you missed Part 1 (Episode 2), where we covered the fundamentals and benefits of barcoding in biobanks, be sure to watch that episode first. The link is below.https://youtu.be/8xuYBxluof8Have questions or want to be a guest?Connect with George on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeambartsoumian/For more information, visithttps://www.labtag.com/Labels for frozen samples:https://www.labtag.com/solutions/cryostuck/

Welcome to Episode 2 of Lab Leader’s Edge, the podcast for lab professionals who want to take their lab leadership and operations to the next level.

In this episode, LabTAG founder Dr. George Ambartsoumian and sample management expert John Wagner explore how biobanks can use barcode technology to boost accuracy, efficiency, and compliance in their daily operations.

George and John unpack the real-world benefits of adopting barcode systems in biobanking and how innovations like CryoSTUCK® labels and LIMS integration are making it easier than ever to track and manage biospecimens across their entire lifecycle.

💡 What You’ll Learn

• The biggest labeling and tracking challenges biobanks face, and how barcoding solves them

• How barcode technology reduces sample mix-ups and saves time in large collections

• How to label cryogenically frozen vials without thawing your samples

• The real cost of implementing barcode systems, and why it’s more affordable than you think

• How LIMS software connects barcodes to every stage of sample management for complete traceability

Have questions or want to be a guest?

Connect with George on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeambartsoumian/

For more information, visit www.labtag.com

Learn more about labels for frozen samples: https://www.labtag.com/solutions/cryostuck/

Welcome to the first episode of Lab Leader’s Edge, the podcast for lab professionals who want to take their lab leadership to the next level.

In this kickoff episode, host Dr. George Ambartsoumian, a scientist and founder of LabTAG, shares three foundational strategies to help you run a more efficient, organized, and empowered lab.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why are clear, written SOPs essential for reducing errors and maintaining consistency across the lab
• How to standardize sample labeling using unique identifiers and barcode technology
• How color-coding can speed up sample retrieval and prevent mix-ups
• Why regular inventory checks are essential, and how barcoding and LIMS can simplify the process
• The importance of team training and development, and where to find helpful courses, communities, and learning resources
• Recommended conferences, podcasts, and learning platforms for lab leaders in biobanking, clinical, and research labs

Resources mentioned in the episode

Associations

ISBER – International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories

ASCP-American Society of Clinical Pathology

NSH – National Society for Histotechnology

CAP – College of American Pathologists

BBMRI ERIC – Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure – European Research Infrastructure Consortium

Courses

Essentials of Biobanking by ISBER

Lab Management University (Fundamentals)

Lab Management University (Advanced)

University of Pathology Informatics

Leadership Institute

LabVine Learning

Lab Manager Academy

Podcasts

Podcast – Inside the Lab

Podcast – Lab Medicine Rounds

Podcast – eLABorate Topics

Podcast – Wizards of Biobanking

Podcast – BBMRI-ERIC Podcast

Communities

Labrats

Medlabprofessionals 

Medical Laboratory Scientists - MLS/MLT(ASCP), AMT, AAB

Medical Laboratory Professionals

DLT/DMLT/BMLT/PGMLT

Laboratory Professionals International

Laboratory Management Professionals - Hospital & Independent Laboratories

Have questions or want to be a guest?

Connect with George on LinkedIn: George Ambartsoumian