Adding a Label Number to labels

Recently, a LIMS user submitted this technical support question:

“Is it possible to label each sample container with a unique number? For example, a water sample submitted to the laboratory is submitted in six 40-mL vials. In the past, I simply had LIMS print six identical labels. However, the EPA wants each bottle uniquely identified, i.e. 090425P001-A or some other means. Currently we are printing six identical labels and then hand labeling them with A-F. It doesn’t have to be alphabetic. Any means is fine.”

The answer to this question is “Yes.” When printing multiple quantities of a container label, LIMS internally assigns a sequential label number starting with one to each label. We can use this internal LabelID value in a label field expression to add label numbers or letters to the printed label.

To add a label number, use the System Configuration screen’s Labels tab to update a label style and add an expression to a label field that uses the internal LabelID field. Since LabelID is a sequential number that identifies the label number, when you print quantity six of the same label, LabelID will vary from one to six. Here are some example expressions:

The upper case letters in the expressions are used for readability but they aren’t necessary. If you prefer, you can use the lowercase “labelid” to avoid lowercase L and capital i confusion. If you have a Full System license and you have added custom label styles, you can add one of these expressions to a text box control in your style’s report design.