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Initial Considerations
The BMIC team will be unable to assist with printer setup & label design until the below has been accomplished/gather by the research team:
It’s important to select / order a printer based on
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your labs specific needs, consider the below:
Ethernet connectivity:
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(required)
The printer used to create labels or manifests must be able to physically connect to the campus network
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. This physical connection occurs through an ethernet cable (*not* via bluetooth).
It is
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critical
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the printer is equipped with an ethernet output
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Printing options (Direct Thermal vs. Thermal transfer)
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, as OpenSpecimen must communicate with the printer in your laboratory through the secure campus network.
Machine & Label needs:
DPI: “dots per inch” is a way of measuring an image labels intended size, resolution, or quality.
If QR codes are printed on small labels, such as cryovials, a higher resolution (DPI) is recommended.
Higher DPIs produce higher resolution image quality.
Will you utilize Side and/or cap labels?
Label size is dependent upon the tube on which it will be applied. Feel free to search the internet for companies which have the products to meet your specific needs.
https://www.labtag.com/ is an example of a helpful site, however there are many more you can use to research your needs.
Printer brand and age:
Recommended brands: Zebra or Brady
Outdated printers often have drivers that are not compatible with current computer operating systems
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Printing method: (2 options below)
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Label size and type
Side and/or cap labels
Label size is dependent upon the tube on which it will be applied
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Ribbons: only needed if using a thermal transfer
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Any other supplies (uptake core for the ribbon): Need an uptake core to first start. After that, it can be reused.
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Order printer (as applicable)
Consider the brand and the age of the printer. Zebra or Brady is recommended. Outdated printers often have drivers that are incompatible.
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Direct Thermal:
A Direct Thermal printer can be used if you are printing manifests (paper) or other primary sample labels, such as blood tubes, that will not be placed in deep freeze.
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DPI: dots per inch are a measure of the resolution of the output of the printer. Higher DPIs produce higher resolution image quality. If QR codes are printed on small labels, such as cryovials, a higher resolution (DPI) is recommended for being able to scan these codes.
Thermal Transfer:
This method uses a thermal method to transfer ink from a ribbon directly to the label. Ink applied using thermal transfer will not degrade or flake off under ultra-low temperature conditions, such as liquid nitrogen.
An uptake core is required for this method, however the core can typically be reused.
Ribbons are required to utilize this print method.
The Process
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Work with your IT department contact to confirm |
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the below information! |
Before submitting a Support Ticket, ensure you have the following information and completed local testing with success as described in step 4 below: (Expand each section to view specifics)
(1) MODEL NUMBER:
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Depending the printer, the model name could be found on the corners or the center of the front-facing cover. If it is on the front of the machine, it is usually close to the control panel.  The printer model number could also be located on the |
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back of the machine |
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IP Address: Once the printer is received and plugged into the network via the ethernet connection, it will be assigned a static IP address by your IT team. This is usually found in the display settings of your printer.
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Maximum DPI: this is maximum dots per inch printed and found: add info from chat
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(2) MAXIMUM DPI: (dots per inch)
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How to find printer machines DPI:
If using a Zebra printer, you can identify the DPI of the Printhead Using the Printer Part Number:  |
(3) IP ADDRESS:
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How to find on MAC:
How to find on Windows:
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(4) Calibrate printer and test label printing locally
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The IT team that services your |
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department or building is responsible for setting up the IP address and confirming printer connectivity on the campus ethernet. |
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Department IT Team is to ensure:
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The Process
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Now it’s time to submit your help ticket:
Navigate to: https://utahctsi.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/4/group/23/create/124
Provide
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Research team tests label printing & adjusts as needed
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a 1 sentence summary
In the ‘description’ box provide the below details of your printer:
Model Number
IP Address
Maximum DPI
Select printer support:New Machine setup/Relocation
Submit ticket
BMIC team will respond via help ticket to gather required information needed to begin your Printer setup with OpenSpecimen:
BMIC team obtains firewall exception (est. 2-3 weeks)
BMIC team configures printer connection to OpenSpecimen (est. 1 week)
OpenSpecimen Navigator aligns with research team on label design in testing environment (link to separate document): concurrent with above process
Once a firewall connection is established, the OpenSpecimen Navigator will contact study team within a new help ticket to proceed with label design & testing.
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All OpenSpecimen inquires or help support requests should be submitted to the helpdesk |