Automatically sort tubes in the laboratory using barcodes

Modern medical and research laboratories are faced with the processing of hundreds and thousands of biological samples daily. Managing the flow of test tubes requires not only efficiency, but also minimizing errors at each stage of sorting and processing. In these conditions, automation based on barcoding technologies becomes vital to improve the efficiency, accuracy and safety of work processes.

Principles and stages of automated sorting

Automated sorting of test tubes is based on the use of machine vision and barcode recognition technologies. All test tubes are marked with individual GS1 barcodes at the preparation stage, which contain information about the type of biomaterial, the patient, the required analysis and other related information. The main principles of the system:

• Unique identification. Each test tube has a unique barcode, which eliminates sample confusion and errors associated with manual data entry.
• Integration with the laboratory information system. The sorting system is constantly synchronized with the laboratory information system, automatically updating the status of samples and their movement routes.
• Continuous control. The human factor is excluded during the sorting process: all operations are recorded, and deviations are automatically noted for a quick response by the staff.

Automation stages:

• Scanning. The tubes are placed on the feed conveyor or in a special tray. The built-in camera or scanner quickly and accurately reads the barcode from the surface (even if it is curved or partially closed).
• Data transfer to the laboratory information system. The scanned information is instantly transferred to the laboratory information system. At this stage, the tube data is compared with the application, and the system determines the further route.
• Distribution by direction. The tubes are automatically sorted into cells, containers or conveyor lines according to the purpose of the analysis, the laboratory department or the urgency of processing.
• Quality control and adjustments. In case of failure to read or detection of discrepancies, the system either re-submits the tube for scanning or notifies the staff for manual verification.
• Integration and statistics. Full digital registration of all stages allows tracking of tube movements, analysis of loading statistics and identification of process bottlenecks.

Key tasks and challenges of the technology

Automated tube sorting is an innovative solution that significantly simplifies and speeds up processes in laboratories. Despite the obvious advantages, the implementation of such technologies faces a number of important tasks and challenges.

Key tasks:

• Ensuring high recognition accuracy. Machine vision and barcoding technologies must ensure high speed and accuracy of barcode recognition, even under difficult conditions (for example, for tubes with rounded labels). This requires the use of modern image processing algorithms and sensors capable of handling various types of tubes.
• Integration with existing systems. It is necessary to ensure the integration of automated sorting systems with laboratory information systems and analyzers. This requires the development of data exchange standards and compatibility with various equipment.
• Training. Staff should be trained to operate new systems to minimize operational errors and improve overall efficiency. It is important to develop training modules and an implementation process that will help staff quickly adapt to new technologies.
• Ensuring security. Protecting data and biomaterials from possible leaks or interference is a critical task. Security measures are required, such as the use of encryption of data during transmission and strict access protocols.

Challenges:

• Speed ​​and Throughput. Modern laboratories often work with large volumes of samples, and sorting technologies must keep up with these speed requirements. Optimizing processes and implementing multi-tier sorting systems can be challenging, but necessary.
• Error Tolerance. Errors in reading barcodes can lead to incorrect sample sorting, which in turn can have serious consequences for diagnostics. It is important to implement feedback control and automatic error correction mechanisms.
• Environmental Aspects. Disposal of used tubes and other consumables requires additional resources and effort. Laboratories must develop strategies to reduce their environmental footprint, including software solutions for automated waste management.
• Cost. Implementing automated systems can require significant investment, which can be a barrier for smaller laboratories. Cost optimization approaches and the development of a flexible model that allows for the gradual introduction of technologies are needed.
• The need for continuous technology updates. Rapid changes in technology require constant monitoring of new trends and adjustments to existing systems. Laboratories must be prepared for financial and technical investments to remain competitive.

The role of software barcode scanners

The central place in automation is occupied by a software barcode scanner. Its algorithms are designed to:

• Reliably recognize barcodes even in conditions of distorted images, glare and partial visibility;
• Support batch reading of several barcodes simultaneously, which speeds up the processing flow;
• Allow you to customize the operating parameters for specific conditions (for example, different types of lighting or print quality);
• Easily integrate with various hardware solutions (photo and video scanners, fixed and mobile cameras).

Example: Specialized algorithms are capable of reading barcodes on cylindrical surfaces, quickly processing several test tubes at once (batch scanning), and also integrating with laboratory accounting and sorting systems.

Practical benefits of implementation:

• Significant reduction in sorting time;
• Elimination of human factors - reduction of errors during manual input;
• Simplified integration with existing laboratory information systems;
• The ability to accurately track and quickly localize samples by any characteristic (block, analysis, department, priority).

Conclusion

Automatic tube sorting based on barcodes is not just a technical innovation, but a full-fledged basis for modern laboratory logistics, ensuring a high level of safety, accuracy and efficiency. Software scanners are the heart of this automation, allowing labs to meet tomorrow's requirements today.

VintaSoft Barcode .NET SDK is one of the best solutions for automatic tube sorting in the lab using barcodes, because the SDK:

• Allows you to recognize 1D and 2D barcodes on cylindrical objects.
• Allows you to recognize multiple barcodes simultaneously.
• Can be integrated with various equipment or software.
• Allows you to customize scanning parameters for almost any situation to maximize the speed and quality of barcode recognition.

Here is a C# code that demonstrates how to recognize GS1-128 barcodes in an image of lab tubes:

/// <summary>
/// Reads GS1-128 barcodes from a <see cref="System.Drawing.Bitmap"/>.
/// </summary>
/// <param name="bitmap">A bitmap with barcodes.</param>
public static void ReadGS1_128BarcodesFromBitmap(System.Drawing.Bitmap bitmap)
{
    // create barcode reader
    using (Vintasoft.Barcode.BarcodeReader reader = new Vintasoft.Barcode.BarcodeReader())
    {
        // specify that reader must search for GS1-128 barcodes
        reader.Settings.ScanBarcodeTypes = BarcodeType.None;
        reader.Settings.ScanBarcodeSubsets.Add(BarcodeSymbologySubsets.GS1_128);

        // read barcodes from image
        Vintasoft.Barcode.IBarcodeInfo[] infos = Vintasoft.Barcode.GdiExtensions.ReadBarcodes(reader, bitmap);

        // gets a GS1 Application identifiers from barcode value
        GS1ApplicationIdentifierValue[] aiValues = ((GS1BarcodeInfo)infos[0]).ApplicationIdentifierValues;

        StringBuilder printableValue = new StringBuilder();

        // print Application identifiers values
        for (int i = 0; i < aiValues.Length; i++)
        {
            GS1ApplicationIdentifierValue aiValue = aiValues[i];
            GS1ApplicationIdentifier ai = aiValue.ApplicationIdentifier;
            Console.WriteLine(string.Format("[{0}] {1}", i + 1, aiValue));
            Console.WriteLine(string.Format("Application identifier   : {0}", ai.ApplicationIdentifier));
            Console.WriteLine(string.Format("Value                    : {0}", aiValue.Value));
            Console.WriteLine(string.Format("Data title               : {0}", ai.DataTitle));
            Console.WriteLine(string.Format("Data content             : {0}", ai.DataContent));
            Console.WriteLine(string.Format("Format                   : {0}", ai.Format));
            Console.WriteLine(string.Format("Is contains decimal point: {0}", ai.IsContainsDecimalPoint));
            Console.WriteLine(string.Format("Is variable length       : {0}", ai.IsVariableLength));
            Console.WriteLine();
            printableValue.Append(aiValue.ToString());
        }

        // print GS1 printable value
        Console.WriteLine("Printable GS1 value: " + printableValue.ToString());
    }
}