It is only a small amount. Much less than a full kit.
I checked and was surprised by the cost. I will leave that page open.
That is basically the same method. The codes are created on the fly and link to a page with batch and vial numbers. I can easily produce many tags and print them densely on a sheet so it is quick. My tracking program does what your sheet does but also accepts structured data plus notes and images from a phone. Each vial page records details like how much water was added, which water brand, and the date. When I take a vial out I scan the code and see everything in seconds. I am not saying everyone needs this because it requires some setup knowledge, but I was already using it for other items and it fits well here.
You could also look at sheet labels that fit three milliliter vials. They come with strong adhesive and work with any office printer. There is a simple free tag maker and even if the sheets stop being sold you can still use a document template.
I do not tag the outside of the pens but they are color coded by type. I tag the cartridges with the name, strength, dose amounts, and reconstitution date. I use a small thermal unit. The edges lift on the curved surface but the holder keeps them down. For vials I leave them in the original box and note the name, source, and arrival date.
No offense but I skipped that because it does not interest me. I will keep my simple method. How large is your collection?
This thread is about how people organize their items. Why join if you do not want to read others' methods?
So no one is allowed an opinion? You seem like someone who thinks they know everything. There is something off there. You are now on the ignore list so I will not see your input. You will probably comment on this attachment too.
I have a small thermal printer. It is not as advanced as some but it cost very little, the tags are clear and adhere, so I am satisfied. I have used it for about a year. If I had an office printer I probably would have bought sheet labels like the one mentioned.
How is the basic model? I only have the larger one but I have seen many people own two of that brand.
The basic one was my first and then I got another. They often go on sale for a low price. It would be silly not to get one. The upgraded basic has a better case and prints faster. I use both for cartridge tags, testing tags, and participant labels. They are simple and sufficient for vials. Besides only printing in black I have no complaints. It is my reliable helper. The larger model is for when I want to spend time making nicer designs. I take extra care with the upgraded basic. I bought it just to have it.
You were not exaggerating about the level of focus. That setup with the light and glass really stands out.
Those look like the trays from a popular storage brand. I like how they use less material and fit many in a standard insulated bottle. All these large collections are impressive. I am content with my two partially used bottles but seeing the big ones makes mine look small. The rectangular tags are custom from a craft site. They feel thick with texture and professional but the cost and wait time make them impractical for larger numbers. Still I wanted to give my first gray item a nice presentation. The round tops are stickers trimmed down and I will soon have a punch so the circles are even instead of uneven.
I have just kept them in the original plastic boxes. I add a label with basic info like strength, source, and date then put them at the bottom of the freezer. When I reconstitute I add a more detailed vial label with dosing info. I recently got some pens so I have started tagging those too. I like the larger model but dislike how it counts labels. Running a tag twice for colors causes it to count the used ones twice and leaves blanks it will not accept later.
I am actually considering getting the larger model soon so it helps to hear your experience. The counting issue does sound annoying though. Hopefully they can add more color options or fix the multi color process in the future.
They are actually working on an improved counting system and new colors are coming this summer according to a post from a month ago. It was encouraging to see company reps responding to users on the forum. It is a nice unit and very straightforward which is what drew me to it initially.
I have trays from several sources and some given by group members. There are many styles. I have never purchased the silicone versions.
I like these inexpensive soft cases from online. I tag them with a heat transfer unit.
I enjoy seeing the different organization styles, both simple and advanced. Lots of useful ideas. I decided to borrow some ideas from a couple users and get a unit plus clear tags so I can add codes on the bottoms. That way I can still focus on the look of the tags while having all details available through the tracking program. How hard is that program for someone who is comfortable with computers but not technical? I do not really understand what self hosted means. Is it something straightforward to pick up? Thanks.
This is honestly impressive. The tags, colors, and cases make everything look neat and simple to locate.
Running your own setup is a broad subject and can get complex but it does not have to be once you learn the basics. A self hosted program is one built to run as a website and be reached that way. This forum is an example. It needs a computer that stays on all the time, called a server. Self hosting simply means running it yourself on a machine you control. For this particular program there are a few options from easiest to hardest. Pay someone else to run it. There are services that handle it for a small monthly fee. There is almost nothing to do yourself. The downside is the ongoing cost. You can start with some free credit to try it for a month. You can also use it to track other items and it supports multiple people so costs can be shared. It allows easy export if you decide to switch later.
Such impressive storage setups. I keep mine in the labeled box from the source inside a black case to block light then into the freezer. Nothing elaborate. I have another black case for the next vial to reconstitute which stays in the fridge. It has two parts so the other holds the ones I am using. I mark the bottom with a marker whenever I take one out of the freezer box before moving it to the fridge case. I was only looking into one type but now I have added another though the color makes it easy to tell apart anyway. I also have two more types in my freezer stack.
Nice setup. Does the marker writing last well in the cold?
It really does. Just be careful when wiping the vial for use and check after each time that the writing is still visible. When a vial is empty I clean it off and discard the plain vial in regular trash so I can stay somewhat discreet if anyone checks.
The part about staying discreet got a laugh. Thanks for the tip.
Some people should stick to their own area. It is always good to find a thread where others share the same interest in tagging as me.
Thanks so much for the clear details. I appreciate the work you put in. I'll go with the first option since it's simplest. I enjoy staying organized but prefer ease and don't have a strong computer setup for the second choice. The coding requirement is why I left a library science program. If I can justify one subscription I can justify another for the organizational perks.
So you're just going to stick with the three degrees then?
I keep mine in the cabinet and sometimes label the dose and compound with a marker once I reconstitute. For one item I note every dose taken. For the rest I just record start and stop dates.
I actually left the program twice. First because my job shifted to late hours and I missed night classes, and again when we reached the coding section. Certain languages basically ended it for me. Now I'm happy just being a regular user with big spreadsheets.
I'm not an expert with them but I keep my entire setup on spreadsheets.
Here's my freezer setup. These insulated containers each hold dozens of vials so I have several hundred stored. I use a small thermal printer for labels and feel silly because I can't figure out how to keep the images from printing sideways.
I bought the same insulated set myself.
I have a similar small printer too and like how simple it is. I picked up another unit because of a discount and now run different label types in each one.
Longer term or higher value items go in one type of insulated storage. Medium term uses custom printed cases with gaskets. Right now I use a simple organizer that holds a mix of vial sizes. Each vial has a clip-on label holder I designed to sit under the stopper. I print matching color caps and put a label on each color group.
Simple and practical approach. My only worry is how well the marker lasts with repeated handling and cold storage. The small printer looks nice but being thermal might affect durability compared to transfer labels. I already ordered a different model anyway. Your whole storage system is on another level. The level of detail in sorting is really impressive.
Could you share a picture of those label clips? They sound interesting. Also are the caps only meant for sealed vials? Would they still fit once a vial is opened or would they be too loose?
Those clips look great. I was struggling to picture them so the image helps a lot. I also like how low profile the caps are.
I'm not obsessive about every detail, just cautious and wanting to track items and store them correctly. Once you have a larger collection it helps to follow first in first out. I'm still figuring out the most reliable or affordable storage method because the advice online conflicts and that makes me uneasy. If marker durability worries you then a secondhand labeler with proper cryo cartridges is an option since those labels stay put.
I found a workaround for units that reject non-branded labels because of a missing tag. After trying some today and getting blocked I peeled the tag from an old branded roll and stuck it inside the machine where the labels sit. The unit then accepted the off-brand roll and printed fine. Hope that helps someone else.
I label everything as soon as it arrives. I usually order multiple of the same lot so FIFO is not a big concern for me.
I saw one of the small printers listed at a reduced price again for anyone who wants nicer labels. You need to use the listed code.
I know replying to older posts is not always ideal but thanks for the heads up. The timing worked out well for picking one up.
It is better to continue an old thread than start a fresh one. Some places dislike it but we are not those places.
So far everything is holding up well. The inserts fit tightly and have not damaged the labels.
It works best to label them while at room temperature instead of pulling them straight from cold storage. That avoids dealing with condensation. I leave mine on the bench for a couple days until I get to them.
We have a cabinet where everything gets tossed in together with the water, pads, and syringes. When I reconstitute a vial I mark the name on it and put it in the butter tray in the refrigerator. Sometimes I also note the dosage in units per weight. Managing multiple people and several different items this way works but a box where the labels stay visible would help.
I have always liked that theme since I was a kid. I also got several orange ones specifically to turn them into themed versions.
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