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5 Features of Pharmacy Labels that Help Convey Critical Information

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5 Pharmacy Labels

When we think of patient-physician communication, we may think of face-to-face interactions. But one of the most crucial methods of patient communication is the pharmacy label. Right now, when people across the U.S. are highly focused on health and wellbeing as we battle the Coronavirus pandemic, communication—especially medical and pharmaceutical directions—is vital.

Every day, patients read their prescription labels before they take medication. If there’s a question about when or how to take a drug, they check the label. All that information is right there at a glance, keeping them safe and healthy.

At T&L Graphics, we know the importance of labels for the medical and pharmaceutical industries. Pharmacy labels and medical labels keep patients well-informed. They offer instructions, details, and warnings to prevent missteps and mistakes. Our labels are the highest quality—made to stick around and stay put. When you rely on pharmacy labels, T&L has you covered.

Here are 5 features of pharmacy labels that keep patients safe.

1. Universal Symbols and Messages

Using universal symbols, colors, and messages, pharmacy labels quickly convey information using a visual marker. For example, medications that shouldn’t be taken with alcohol, before driving, or on an empty stomach require a warning.

Auxiliary pharmacy labels include these essential instructions using bright, noticeable colors and clear, universal symbols. These indicators ensure that patients don’t miss messages and make mistakes when they’re taking medicine. These pharmacy labels also convey clear signals to the pharmacy staff, who may need to counsel patients on proper dosing instructions. Eliminate mistakes with clear, concise, noticeable labels.

2. Resistant to Wear and Tear

A label is only as good as its durability. After all, a missing label is no good for anyone. Fortunately, our labels are made to resist wear and tear. Pharmacy labels are often frequently handled—typically daily—so they must be clear and easy-to-read.

In a busy pharmacy or practitioners' office, the staff doesn't have time to struggle with a label that's hard to dispense and won't stay put. Our labels are available in easy-to-use rolls that allow one-handed placement. This simple measure helps to make dispensing medication easier and safer. Smudge-proof lamination and specialty coatings are available to ensure your labels will withstand handling as well as the test of time.

3. Options for Harsh Conditions

Our pharmacy labels are fade-resistant and designed to stay in place, even with heavy use. Pharmacy labels are often exposed to harsh conditions, from heat and moisture to cold and chemical treatments. We offer heat and chemical-resistant coatings to ensure the message on your pharmacy labels stays clear.

Using special adhesives and label protection such as UV light-cured coatings, our labels are ideal for all aspects of pharmaceutical use from infusion therapies to refrigerated medications. We offer labels designed for the clinical setting as well, made to stand up to cryogenics, the heat of the autoclave, and chemical baths.

4. Barcoding and Thermal Printing Choices

Barcoding offers a clear way to organize and track information using a simple labeling system. We provide consecutive barcoding and scannable labels to protect patient privacy and help you keep track of items throughout every step of treatment.

Thermal printing provides an easy, clear way to track the movement of pharmaceuticals, specimens, and other items. Thermal printer compatible labels allow you to customize information, convey patient instructions, and provide directions. These labels guide patients on dosing and use, keeping them informed and safe.

5. Drug Class Color-Coding

With a glance, pharmacists can see the dispensing class of certain medications and other crucial information. Standard color-coded systems help you keep track of drug-class type, so you can quickly glean the information you need and stay aware of any restrictions or contraindications.

When you're in charge of the health and wellbeing of pharmaceutical patients, labels play a vital role in the process. Color-coded, straightforward, easy-to-apply labels are an essential tool to help you communicate clearly to patients and staff.

T&L Graphics wants to convey our appreciation to the frontline and healthcare workers keeping us safe during this time. We're proud to serve the pharmaceutical and medical industry with labels you can rely on in any situation. Contact us to help with all your pharmacy label needs.

People Must Know What’s Inside the Test Tube

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Why printed labels are so important

In times of medical uncertainty, like the global Coronavirus pandemic we’re facing, it’s easy to overlook the common tools that contribute to keeping people protected and safe.

Printed labels are one of those important tools that often go unnoticed. From the lab to the clinic, to cleaning and sanitizing supplies, labeling plays a crucial role. When you need to know critical information, labels are a communication method you can depend on.

At T&L Graphics, we’re proud of the small-but-significant role we’re able to play in supporting medical professionals in the laboratory and on the frontlines of fighting the outbreak. Not only do we go above and beyond to meet our client needs, but through our essential work, we’ve supplied our clients with labels when they need them the most. It’s times like these that underscore why printed labels are so important and play a crucial role in patient health and safety.

Here’s why printed labels are more important than ever.

1. Labels Help Laboratories with Accuracy

Laboratories are on the frontlines of any fight against illness. From outbreaks to the flu season, to routine screening tests, labels help laboratories keep track of patient samples and convey important information to technicians. Mislabeled specimens are one of the most common yet preventable sources of errors in the medical field.

When a laboratory technician draws a sample, they affix a label with a bar code to track the specimen. This thermally printed label will accompany the sample through every phase of the journey, from the draw through the diagnostic laboratory tests.

2. Labels Keep Medical Staff Organized

In a busy clinic or emergency room, practitioners rely on the accurate messaging provided by medical labels. Our thermal labels are printed with bar-coded information that is uniquely assigned to each patient. With a simple scan, clinicians can access patient information as needed.

Printed medical labeling also ensures that pharmaceutical details are clearly printed and adhered to bottles. Warning and biohazard labels ensure that personnel follow safety protocols and provide patients with what they need when they need it the most. When there's no room for error, labels promote accuracy and organization.

3. Labels Stay in Place in Many Conditions

Thanks to special adhesives, our medical labels hold up to a variety of conditions, from the heat of the autoclave to chemical baths, cryogenics, and refrigeration. Labeling is critical to all aspects of testing and treatment. When you rely on a label, you need an adhesive that won’t budge!

Special coatings are available to protect labels from moisture, heat, and chemicals. UV coatings are treated with ultraviolet light to cure the protective varnish. These labels are used in medical laboratories, phlebotomy, critical care, and throughout the many steps of the diagnostic process.

4. Labels Help Keep Track While Protecting Privacy

Professionals rely on printed labels to convey information clearly and accurately. Easy-to-read, smudge-proof labels are crucial for patient care. But bar-coded labels also play an essential part in patient protection.

With thermal printing, a scannable barcode protects patient privacy and ensures that personal information is never exposed. Not only does label barcoding help clinicians track samples throughout the testing process, but labels ensure patient information is kept private.

Labels may not seem vital, but in a medical emergency, conveying accurate information is a matter of life and death. When you need information that you can rely on, printed labels deliver.

T&L applauds the many frontline workers who are battling to keep us safe and protected during times of medical crisis. We’re proud to assist workers with reliable printed labels to help them do their critical jobs. Contact us for all your printed label needs, including labels that will keep patients safe and withstand the harshest conditions.

Going Above and Beyond to Keep You Happy

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Label converter company

Does your label converter company go above and beyond to keep you happy?

At T&L Graphic Systems, we’ve built a strong reputation as the label converter company that exceeds customer expectations. The fact is most of our business comes from referrals and word-of-mouth from our happy customers.

Why do customers trust T&L? Because we go the extra mile to keep our clients satisfied. New clients often come to us with one or two product lines, only to find they’re so pleased they eventually bring over all their label needs. One of our customers started with one SKU and we now print over 400 SKUs for their business.

At the end of the day, it's because we're easy to deal with. There's no hassle, excellent quality, and unparalleled service. Does your label converter offer all that?

5 Questions you should ask before you choose a label printing company.

1. Does Your Label Converter Give You the Run-Around?

One aspect our customers love about us is that there's no red tape to deal with. When customers call, they speak with Doug or Steve. We're the decision-makers, and we've been in the industry for over 30 years. Our customers know they have constant access to the top brass.

If there's a problem with a label order, customers talk directly to us. There's no bureaucracy. You aren't passed around to various salespeople who over-promise and under-deliver. We'll tell you exactly what you can expect, and we’ll make sure the job is completed to your satisfaction. You’ll get an accurate quote on price, time, and product.

2. Does Your Label Converter Adjust Artwork if Needed?

At T&L Graphic Systems, we employ our own in-house art department dedicated to making adjustments to your labels. Our art department doesn't create logos, design flyers, or build layouts. They're there to make sure your label prints out precisely to your specifications.

Often clients come to us with beautiful artwork, but there are adjustments needed. In food labeling, for example, there are often small changes—adding ingredients, changing instructions. Our design department expertly modifies and tweaks the artwork you provide us to ensure your label has the right text.

3. Does Your Label Converter Company Make their Own Plates?

One of our specialties is creating our own plates for our Mark Andy Performance Series P5 press. In fact, we recently upgraded our plate-making equipment, allowing us to create some of the best plates in the industry. When our in-house art department receives your files, they create proofs. Once you approve the proofs, our art department makes them into plates.

This ability to create our own custom-made, state-of-the-art plates is unique in our industry. The quality is excellent, and your waiting time is significantly reduced. We're able to offer quick turn-around and fulfillment with beautiful labels.

4. Does Your Label Converter Offer Warehousing?

Some label converter companies require all your inventory paid upfront. Others refuse to warehouse your projects because they don't have space or capacity. We offer warehousing storage and we don’t charge when the bill is released, as most label converters do.

When you bring us a project, we can flow it out slowly over time. This allows for a bigger print run and cuts the overall cost of your printing project. Best of all, there are no hidden charges and add-ons. Warehousing is one of the regular services we offer.

5. Is Your Label Converter an Expert?

The main difference that sets T&L Graphic Systems apart is our expertise. Because we work in a very specific industry niche, we know our product backward and forward. We understand the label substrate and adhesives required for different applications. We know which finishes will protect your label and which cuts will look great on your product.

Because we got our start in the medical industry, we also uniquely understand the demands of medical labeling and the needs of hospitals and physicians. We know what works and what doesn’t, and we’ll use our knowledge to help guide you.

When you work with us, you will work with people who go above and beyond for our customers. Should anything go awry, we own our mistakes and take care of the problem. We know what's most important is that you get the labels you need to continue your daily operations.

Can your label converter company do all that? And if not, shouldn’t you expect more?

Contact us today to learn how T&L Graphics will meet the needs and demands of your business with our unparalleled performance and unmatched approach to customer satisfaction.

‘Tis the Season for Variably Imaged Labels

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Variably Imaged Labels

As the end of the year approaches, your thoughts likely turn to end-of-year planning, holiday vacations, New Year goals, resolutions…and variably imaged labels?

It's true. The end of the year (and the start of the next) is often a busy time for ordering labels across many industries. Here at T&L Graphic Systems, we often see an increase in orders for our variable data labels. If you haven’t started to think about your labeling needs for next year, now is the time.

Here are several of the industries we serve, where variable data labels are a must-have.

Variably Imaged Labels in the Medical Industry

We started by serving the healthcare industry, and this is still the heart of our printing business. There are few other industries where accuracy and tracking are quite literally a matter of life and death.

Variable bar-coded labels ensure that patient information is seamless. One of the primary uses for variable bar-coded labels is in specimen tracking and medical slides. When a patient under your care has any lab work run, the labels are critical to tracking and accuracy.

The medical industry requires the highest quality labels that hold up to the strain of Xylene baths and other chemical solutions in the sterilization process. Lamination and specialized adhesive ensure the variable bar-coded labels stay put, no matter what.

Most medical practices are setting up supplies for the new year, so it's a great time to order labels and ensure you've stocked up. We print labels with any data, QR, and barcoding that you may need to fit your current system.

Tracking Inventory in Retail, Trucking, and Shipping

This really is the season for retail, and we print variably imaged labels for many distributors who serve major retailers and manufacturers. Tote labels in backstock, shipping, and conveying ensure orders never get lost or misplaced. Shipping and tracking systems require a unique code to track orders through miles of conveyors, and each unique code specifies the critical order information. Trucking companies use PRO number labels to ensure every shipment has a unique tracking code.

We print consecutive barcodes to align with any warehouse tracking and shipping system. Work-in-progress systems offer real-time tracking to tell you exactly where any order is within your process. We can populate codes according to your needs and ensure each label is sturdy, reliable, accurate, and stays in place. Warehouse shipping and tracking labels are something most people rarely think of, but it’s so critical to client satisfaction, inventory, and order accuracy.

Something as seemingly minor as a low-grade label may cost your business dearly in terms of shrink and loss. Our variable data labels are accurate and of the highest grade quality. Labels are graded on an ANSI scale of A-F (like a student’s report card), and we will never sell a label that scores below a B. When you need quality you can count on, don't cut corners.

Ensuring Safety and Security with Serial Numbers and Void Labels

Many manufacturing and repair plants implement consecutive number labels. These property tags are printed with serial numbers on durable material. Not only do these unique numbers help keep track of equipment, but it's a valuable security step as well.

Similarly, void labels add another level of security across almost any industry. Typically used in the pharmaceutical, medical, and retail industries, these void labels tell users if the product has been tampered with at all.

When it comes to variably imaged labels, a lot is riding on those little black lines of a barcode. At T&L, we know how vital your labels are to the accuracy of your business and the safety of your clientele. In addition to adhering to the highest grading system, to ensure no chance of failure, we do a rigorous quality check.

During our quality check, we ensure there are no missing labels in the run. If anything is out of place, we stop the press and correct the issue. Believe it or not, many printers will just include a note letting you know there are a few missing barcodes.

Our high-speed printers ensure jobs are completed astonishingly fast. At T&L, we have the experience and implement the right quality controls to ensure your order is completed on-time and with the highest level of accuracy.

So, this season, as you're looking ahead and making your resolutions, be sure you’ve ordered your labels for the new year. T&L will help you set up for success with labels you can depend on.

Does Your Label Capture Your Brand Story?

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Does-your-label-capture-your-brand-story

When a customer scans the aisle, looks in the cupboard, or seeks a solution, does your label catch their eye? Does your label capture your brand story?

Many marketers consider packaging and labeling critical to solidifying customer-brand connections. Your packaging and labels are vehicles for brand-driven storytelling. Sometimes, a label is your sole method for communicating with a customer. It's your one shot to reel them in and tell them who you are (and how you'll fulfill their needs).

In short, a good label needs to say, "Pick me! Here's why!"

1. Labels Create A Narrative

Consider labels as the cover to the book of your brand-story—they craft a narrative about your product. Labels tell consumers the story of what’s behind and inside the package. For an interesting example of the label-as-a-story concept, consider wine labels.

Many products feature narrative labels, but the wine industry stands out as having mastered the art of brand-driven storytelling on a label. The wine aisle tells more stories than a library shelf; each label has a tale. Some feature illustrations of a chateau or vineyard (capturing authenticity and brand authority). Others may feature artwork that feels carefree, joyous, and even a bit naughty…and really, is there any better way to sum up the story of wine?

Packaging as brand-driven storytelling isn’t limited to wine labels, however. Any brand can apply this idea to their label and achieve the same effect. In one study, researchers found consumers who connected to a story were willing to pay up to 64% more for a product.

2. Labels Convey Critical Information

Now, taking a departure from the beverage department, let’s consider labels used in the medical industry. In this case, the labels’ story isn’t a fairytale. For medical labels, the story is informational, precise, and vital.

We may often overlook the informative nature of labels when we think of brand-driven storytelling, but these components are crucial. They may convey all kinds of critical information: the manufacturer branding (evoking reliability, reputation, and accountability), the quantity, instructions for use, expiration date, cautionary information, and much more.

The language used in instructional labels is straightforward and easy-to-follow. It's telling consumers exactly how to use the product and what problem it will solve—non-fiction when you need it the most.

3. Labels Evoke a Feeling

When you see a professionally labeled product, you associate professionalism with the brand. Labels capture a brand’s personality using logos, colors, fonts, pictures, and design elements to craft a myriad of messages.

A brand may convey warmth, trust, nostalgia, value, prestige, whimsy, environmental awareness, health-consciousness, or many other messages. Symbolism in labeling and packaging is a powerful tool for three-dimensional communication to customers.

The feelings evoked by your labeling reinforce customer recognition and confidence. Think of your label from the customer’s perspective. What feelings does it evoke? What is the message? Is the message consistent with your brand, yet unique enough to differentiate each product? Does the customer know and trust you will solve their problem?

4. Labels Please the Eye

Storytelling is traditionally a language art, but a visual method like labeling transcends language to convey a message. Using the right material, colors that catch the eye, graphics, shapes, and finishes will play up your message and convey meaning without words.

Think of the richness of a foil or embossed label. Unique label elements showcase an attention to detail and care. Certain finishes appear handcrafted and rustic, or modern and sleek. Each component of the label captures the eye and reinforces your message.

Envision your label without words. What do the visual components—shapes, colors, lines, and fonts—say to your customer? Is this the message you want your brand to send? Does it capture your story?

Brand-driven storytelling is both an art and a science. When wielded properly, it will catch the eye and help you send a powerful message in an instant. If you’re ready for labels you feel proud of, contact us today!