Recently, BRD BradyLAB Lab038-439 -80 °C polyester PET color-coded classification labels were successfully implemented at the Danjiangkou City Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Danjiangkou City Health Inspection Institute), Hubei Province, Shiyan City, providing a reliable labeling solution for the CDC's low-temperature specimen management.
I. Project Background
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention undertake a large volume of specimen collection, testing, and storage. Specimens of different categories and batches require clear classification and labeling to facilitate daily management, rapid retrieval, and accurate traceability. Color-coded classification labels, with their intuitive and highly visible characteristics, have become an ideal choice for specimen management.
II. Product Introduction
BRD BradyLAB Lab038-439 -80 °C polyester PET color-coded classification labels use high-quality polyester face stock and low-temperature-resistant adhesive, suitable for -80 °C and below low-temperature environments. The product is available in multiple colors to support classification management of different specimen categories.
III. Application Results
After deployment at the Danjiangkou City CDC, the labels effectively improved the efficiency and accuracy of specimen classification management. Color-coded identification makes specimens of different batches and sources immediately distinguishable, reducing specimen retrieval and verification time.
IV. Customer Feedback
The customer reported that BRD BradyLAB color-coded classification labels adhere firmly, have vivid colors, and offer good low-temperature performance, with printed information remaining clear and durable. They meet the CDC's daily specimen management needs and represent a cost-effective domestic label product.
V. Outlook
BRD BradyLAB will continue to provide high-quality low-temperature label products and professional technical support to CDCs and medical institutions at all levels, contributing to the advancement of public health.
Related Compliance Standards
CDC laboratory label applications are implemented with reference to ISO 17025:2017 (General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories) and ISO 15189:2022 (Medical laboratories — Requirements for quality and competence), with specimen identification traceability meeting ISO 20387:2018 requirements.
Recommended Products
For the label materials and application scenarios covered in this article, the following BradyLAB (BRD) products are available for selection reference (click to view specifications and request a quote):
- T439 biobank -80 °C liquid nitrogen polyester PET cryogenic LN₂ color-coded label stickers for laboratory sampling (Request a Quote)
- T629 biobank -196 °C nylon cloth low-temperature-resistant test tube biological sample bank label for laboratory sampling LN₂ labels (¥999/roll)
FAQ
Q: How are color-coded classification labels used in CDCs?
They are primarily used for color-zoned management by testing project, specimen type, or risk level, combined with text and barcodes for rapid identification and workflow tracking.
Q: What standards apply to color coding?
It is recommended to establish a unified color-category reference table within the facility and fix it in the label instructions; color selection must ensure clear color differentiation and resistance to fading after low-temperature storage and disinfection.
Q: What special requirements apply to CDC laboratory labels?
Labels must withstand disinfectant wiping, low-temperature storage, and possible cold-chain transport. Label information must strictly correspond to the testing system to ensure full traceability of specimens throughout the process.
Implementation Standards for Color Classification of CDC Specimens
The value of color-coded labels lies in "instant recognition," but this must be built on unified standards. It is recommended that CDC institutions establish a written color-category reference table and fix it in the label instructions.
| Color | Suggested Category | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Highly pathogenic / high-risk specimens | Pathogenic microorganisms, positive specimens |
| Yellow | Pending testing specimens | Collected, awaiting testing or transfer |
| Green | Negative / routine specimens | Tested negative, routine monitoring |
| Blue | Quality control / reference materials | Internal QC, external QC materials |
Color schemes must ensure clear color differentiation, resist fading after low-temperature freezing and disinfectant wiping, and be uniformly trained across sampling, testing, and inventory management personnel.
Compliance and Quality Control for CDC Laboratory Identification
CDC laboratory identification must address both quality systems and biosafety: for quality, reference may be made to ISO 15189:2022 requirements for specimen identification and traceability; for biosafety, compliance with the Regulations on the Biosafety Management of Pathogenic Microorganism Laboratories and health industry standards such as WS 233 is required. For quality control, it is recommended to establish a closed loop of "verify before labeling, scan after labeling, re-scan after freezing, and record all in/out movements," with specimen information strictly corresponding to the testing system to ensure full traceability.
Practical Benefits of Labels
Standardized color-coded identification can significantly shorten specimen retrieval and verification time, reducing mis-picking, misplacement, and duplicate registration. For CDCs with continuously growing specimen volumes, label investment costs are extremely low yet represent a highly cost-effective means of improving laboratory operational efficiency and data reliability.
Typical Pain Points in CDC Laboratory Specimen Workflow
CDC laboratory specimen workflows involve many stages and high time-sensitivity requirements. Typical pain points include: chaotic numbering at collection sites, confusion of specimens from different testing projects within the laboratory, label failure after freezing leading to inability to locate specimens, and information misalignment during handover. The common root cause of these pain points is the lack of a unified, durable, and legible identification standard.
Establishing a Unified Specimen Identification Standard Within the Facility
It is recommended to establish identification standards at three levels: coding level — unified specimen numbering rules (institution code + date + serial number + type code); visual level — unified color zoning and text layout; process level — unified label material, printing method, and labeling position. After establishing the standard, pair it with training and spot checks to ensure consistent execution.
Acceptance and Spot Testing of Label Performance
| Test Item | Method | Suggested Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Low-temperature durability | Freeze at target temperature for 24h+ and check for detachment | Before each batch is stocked |
| Disinfectant resistance | Wipe with 75% alcohol and check for fading/dissolution | Verify when changing models |
| Barcode readability | Re-scan with barcode scanner + ISO/IEC 15416 grading | Spot check each batch |
| Freeze–thaw cycling | Test adhesion and readability after repeated freeze–thaw | Spot check long-term specimens |
Advancing from Label Standards to Laboratory Accreditation
A unified specimen identification standard is one of the foundational conditions for laboratories applying for ISO 15189:2022 accreditation. During assessment, specimen identification, records, and traceability are key elements. Through label standardization, CDC laboratories can not only improve daily operational efficiency but also clear obstacles for the establishment of quality management systems and accreditation reviews, achieving the advanced value of "small labels, big compliance."
Combining Color Classification with Digitalization
Color classification is "rapid human reading," while barcodes and systems provide "digital precision." Combining the two maximizes value: colors for rapid zoning and visual identification, barcodes for precise system traceability. CDC laboratories can overlay barcode verification on top of color standards to balance operational efficiency and data accuracy.