Lab tools
QR labels and scanner
Connect physical plants, explants, and lab records with QR labels. Print a label, attach it to the culture or vessel, then scan it with your phone to open the matching record and continue your workflow in xPlant.
How it works
- 1
Create a QR label
Open a supported record in xPlant and create a QR label for it. The code connects the physical label to the corresponding record in your workspace.
- 2
Print and attach
Print the label and attach it to the appropriate vessel, container, tray, or other lab identifier. Choose a label material and placement that remain readable in your working environment.
- 3
Scan to open the record
Scan the QR code with the xPlant scanner or a compatible device camera to open the linked record. From there, continue with the actions available for that plant, explant, or other supported record.
What QR labels can connect to
| Record | Opens |
|---|---|
| Plant | Plant record and its culture history |
| Explant | Explant record and related Stage information |
| SOP | SOP record and available workflow actions |
| Media Recipe | Media Recipe record |
| Media Batch | The source Media Recipe associated with the prepared batch |
| Room | Lab Room record |
| Device | Sensor view for the associated device |
| Container | Scanner view for records associated with the labeled container, shelf, or box |
Available actions depend on the record type and your workspace permissions.
Scan labels with xPlant
The xPlant scanner uses your device camera to read supported QR labels directly in the browser. Scan a label to open its linked record without searching manually through your workspace.
- Scan with your phone or tablet. Use a compatible device camera directly from the browser.
- Open the matching record quickly. Move from a physical label to its xPlant record without manually searching for an ID or name.
- Continue the lab workflow. Once the label resolves, use the actions available for that supported record type and your workspace permissions.
Camera access: The in-app scanner requires camera permission in your browser. If camera scanning isn't available, you can still open a QR label using your device's camera or QR scanner.
Choose a scanning setup for your lab
Tips for readable QR labels
- Keep the QR code clear and unobstructed. Avoid trimming, folding, or covering the code in a way that reduces contrast.
- Use enough print size for your environment. Smaller codes can become harder to scan as printing, moisture, distance, or surface curvature changes.
- Choose labels for your lab conditions. Consider moisture, condensation, handling, and storage conditions when selecting label and print materials.
- Test before printing in bulk. Scan a sample label from the distance and device you expect to use in the lab.
QR labels in a tissue culture workflow
Ready to set up QR labels?
Open a supported record to create your first label, or open the xPlant scanner when you're ready to scan an existing QR code.