Submitted by Admin
Although they are different disciplines, science and technology have developed in tandem throughout the years. Medical science is based on the knowledge that allows us to diagnose, prevent, and treat illnesses of the body and mind. Meanwhile, technology provides the tools that facilitate the processes and practices of science and healthcare. Today, advancement in medical science is synonymous with technology and innovation.
Science, Medicine, and Technology
An example of a technological milestone in medicine was the invention of the compound microscope in the 1600s. Microscopes allowed scientists to magnify objects up to 200 times, laying the foundation for the field of modern life sciences such as virology. Antoni van Leeuwenhoek was one of the first microscope designers. He observed that all living organisms were made up of basic ‘cells’—a term that has endured to this day
The invention of the microscope paved the way for the study of microorganisms. In the 1800s, scientists made several groundbreaking discoveries under the microscope. Rudolf Virchow discovered cell division and showed that cells were responsible for numerous processes including the spread of cancer. Louis Pasteur proposed the idea that diseases could be caused by microscopic germs infecting the body.
Pasteur’s idea would later be known as the germ theory of disease and become a foundational theory of modern medical science. Several inventions followed, such as the identification of the bacterial causes of tuberculosis and cholera by Robert Koch. Laboratory technology continued to improve with the invention of photomicrography (photography through a microscope) and the Petrie dish.
The microscope is but one of many examples of how technology has enabled the advancement of science and medicine. Medical tests of our blood, urine, and saliva are common practice and every established hospital now has its own laboratories. Without laboratory sciences, we would not be able to understand diseases caused by microbes nor have the ability to accurately diagnose and treat these diseases.
Introducing Cryogenic Labels
While certain technological innovations facilitate discovery, others improve the overall efficiency of the medical science sector. Labels are small and often overlooked, but clear and consistent labeling is integral to any scientific research effort or pharmaceutical supply chain. In recent years, innovation in labeling technology has also increased convenience and confidence in many areas of science and medicine.
If you or your pet have been vaccinated, you would have seen the vaccination label that the healthcare professional pasted on your record. Labeling is essential in science and medicine because it allows researchers and practitioners to track and trace the use of their items. From the label of your vaccine, they can find out the type of vaccine, the manufacturer, the batch number, and any other important information.
Previously, labels for scientific and medical use were similar to ordinary office labels. However, regular labels were not able to survive the rigorous demands of laboratory conditions. Labels used for research can come into contact with a variety of chemicals and be exposed to temperatures ranging from -196°C to 150°C. The challenge was to develop labels for laboratory use that would not fade or come unstuck under such extreme conditions.
Thanks to the advancement of manufacturing technology, established laboratory label manufacturers have invented cryogenic labels. These cryo labels can withstand long-term storage in liquid nitrogen and laboratory freezers. They can be affixed on a variety of surfaces including vials and tubes that are frozen and cannot be thawed. The proprietary adhesive sticks strongly, even when placed immediately back into freezer storage.
In addition, most of these labels are chemical and solvent-resistant. This is of utmost importance in an environment that is constantly exposed to harsh chemicals and being cleaned of contamination. The labels can be immersed in disinfectants and laboratory substances including 100% ethanol, xylene, toluene, formalin, hexane, acetone, and more without losing their printing clarity or adhesive properties.
Cryogenic Labels and RFID
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a technology that has proved extremely beneficial in inventory and supply chain management across all sectors of industry. More than just a simple barcode, an RFID label transmits information via radio waves to an RFID reader with minimal or no manual handling. Multiple RFID labels can be scanned simultaneously in less than a second without being in the direct line of sight of the reader.
Compared to barcodes, RFID labels can be encoded with a large volume of complex information. This information can be further encrypted for privacy and confidentiality, ensuring that sensitive data is protected. The labels come with a passive ultra-high frequency (UHF) inlay that requires no external power source, allowing them to be produced in small sizes and affixed to curved surfaces such as vials.
Science, medicine, and technology are intertwined. As science and medicine aim to improve our quality of life, technology plays its part by making the processes easier. Medical labels are essential in any research, pathology, and clinical laboratory. They allow effective record keeping, sample management, and inventory tracking. Cryogenic labels may be small, but the technology that drives them is helping to save the world.