Why Barcode Label Quality Matters in Healthcare

In healthcare, even the smallest detail can have a significant impact. That’s why at Sciamed, we leave nothing to chance - especially when it comes to the quality of our pre-printed barcode labels.

Not all barcodes are equal

Barcodes play a vital role in patient care, from sample tracking and medication labelling to inventory management and patient identification. The accuracy of a scan can directly affect patient safety, diagnostic outcomes, and operational efficiency.

Yet, not all barcode labels are created equal.

Barcode print quality is measured using ANSI (American National Standards Institute) grading standards, with Grade A being the highest and Grade D to F considered unreadable or unreliable. While Grade C labels may still scan on some systems, they’re dangerously close to the minimum threshold, and at Sciamed, “just acceptable” isn’t good enough. 

We only supply Grade A and B labels

At Sciamed, we exclusively supply ANSI Grade A and B barcode labels, we feel anything less introduces risk.

Our labels are printed under strict quality controls, including on-site verification technology that tests the first, last, and random samples from every batch.

This ensures:

• Consistent scan performance irrespective of the scanner used

• Faster, reliable scanning in high-pressure environments like laboratory track systems and analysers, where high throughput is essential

• Fewer failed scans, reducing interruptions to laboratory workflows

• Improved data integrity, contributing to patient safety

The hidden cost of lower-grade labels

Lower-grade labels introduce risk and cost into a system where the fast, efficient processing of laboratory samples is a priority. Manual intervention when labels can’t be read by a track system ties up staff resource and increases the time from sample receipt to results reporting.

Poor quality or inappropriately specified label material can cause labels to “wing” off and become attached to other samples. This can lead to samples being rejected and introduce delays to patient care when samples need to be retaken.

Patient safety is non-negotiable

Our commitment to Grade A and B barcode labels is about more than compliance. It's about confidence and peace of mind.

We support NHS laboratories and healthcare providers with verified, traceable, and dependable labelling solutions, so that every scan supports safe, accurate care.

Want to know how we maintain this level of quality? Read our follow-up post on the processes behind our Grade A labels.

To speak with a label expert, contact our team at 01975 564111 or email sales@sciamed.co.uk.