RFID in Laboratories

• Track samples throughout the lab without having a human being scanning a barcode.


• Track reagents and supplies, and have accurate inventory data to prevent shortages or surplus orders.


• Improve surge capacity without the need to add staff. RFID systems are capable of reading and tracking any number of samples in an instant. If the lab were to suddenly receive ten times the normal daily amount of samples, you would be able to receive those samples just as easily as your normal workload, because they would automatically be tracked through the RFID zones. No one is standing there checking them in with a bar code scanner.


• Handle expiration dates. Let's say you have soil samples from three counties, and need to store them for a certain number of months. You can set up an event so that the items automatically send an email to the lab assistant when it is time for them to be discarded.


• Manage valuable equipment. There are two common use cases for RFID in asset management. First, you can prevent losses; by tagging an expensive piece of instrumentation you'll know where it is at all times. Second, if you have maintenance schedules on your equipment, the system can notify a technician via email when it is time for a service call. If desired, the laboratory manager can receive notification when the warranty expires, or when the expected duty cycle of a device has ended, and it is time to buy a replacement. This is good for you financially, since it means you won't need to buy replacements for lost or poorly maintained equipment. It's also good for your lab's efficiency when important items are easy to locate, well-maintained, and their life cycles are managed appropriately.


• Improve safety of workers. RFID can be used to ensure each worker entering the lab has an ID badge, goggles, mask, and gloves. Set up the gateway to deny access to persons without these objects, or to notify the lab manager.