SLAS Sample Management Symposium
We recently headed to San Francisco for the SLAS Sample Management Symposium, held at Genentech, to showcase our MultiVial system, share ideas around laboratory automation and connect with professionals working to solve some of the challenges facing modern sample management.
For Rob Hodgson and Cathryn Langley, it was a valuable few days of conversations, demonstrations and new opportunities, with plenty to take away from the event. Cathryn also delivered a Technology Snapshot talk exploring how MultiVial is helping one biopharmaceutical customer improve sample identification as their cell culture workflows scale.
A new audience for Labman
The symposium brought together people working across sample management, providing an opportunity to discuss the practical challenges of handling, tracking and storing samples as research and development progresses.
For Labman, it was particularly refreshing to meet so many people who hadn’t come across us before. While we’ve spent more than 40 years designing custom laboratory automation systems, we’re also developing a growing range of off-the-shelf products to help laboratories address specific workflow challenges.
MultiVial was at the centre of our presence at the event. Across the few days, we demonstrated the system, laser marked plenty of vials for attendees and had some interesting conversations about how automation could support their work.
It wasn’t just about showcasing a product, though. Meeting people working in different areas of sample management gave us a better understanding of the challenges they’re facing and where there may be opportunities to develop new solutions, both through MultiVial and our wider custom automation capabilities.
Why permanent vial identification matters
One of the highlights of the symposium was Cathryn’s Technology Snapshot talk, which introduced MultiVial and explored its role in a customer’s approach to cryogenic sample storage.
Cryogenic storage is essential in biopharmaceutical development, preserving cell cultures for future use. But as development accelerates and sample volumes increase, the processes used to prepare, identify and store those samples need to keep pace.
In Cathryn’s case study, a customer had already made significant improvements to their sample management workflows. They had standardised storage and handling formats, introduced barcode-enabled tubes and inventory software, and implemented automated storage and retrieval systems.
These changes reduced manual operations, minimised mix-ups and improved traceability. However, one problem remained: adhesive labels weren’t always able to withstand the extreme conditions associated with cryogenic storage.
Labels could become damaged, detach or become unreadable, creating uncertainty around sample identity. This could mean additional manual checks, potential sample loss or even jams in automated handling equipment.
For a customer investing in automation, unreliable identification was undermining an otherwise streamlined process.
MultiVial: A more robust approach to sample identification
Cathryn explained how Labman’s MultiVial system helped address this final challenge through direct laser marking.
Rather than relying on adhesive labels or ink, MultiVial permanently marks information directly onto vials. These markings are resistant to cryogenic storage conditions and solvents, helping maintain identification throughout the sample’s lifecycle.
For the customer, vials are marked before cells are harvested and frozen, allowing them to move through existing inventory systems and automated workflows with reliable identification in place.
The benefits extend beyond the durability of the marking itself. MultiVial supports a wide range of vial formats, giving different teams the flexibility to use the system across applications. Its user-friendly, Windows-based interface and customisable templates also make it suitable for shared operation without specialist training.
And because the system doesn’t require labels or ink, there’s no need to keep replenishing those consumables.
As Cathryn highlighted, MultiVial now forms an important part of the customer’s standardised sample management strategy. Permanent identification helps reduce manual verification, avoid interruptions caused by damaged labels and maintain confidence in sample identity, while providing a foundation for further automation as requirements grow.
The case study demonstrated an important point: successful sample management automation isn’t just about automating storage and retrieval. Reliable identification is a fundamental part of ensuring samples can be tracked and handled confidently throughout their lifecycle.
A worthwhile trip to San Francisco
We came away from the symposium with plenty of new contacts, promising leads and exciting opportunities for both MultiVial and Labman’s custom automation projects.
A big thank you to everyone who stopped by our stand, watched a demonstration, brought a vial to be marked or simply came over for a chat. And, of course, to everyone who enjoyed a cup of Yorkshire tea along the way!
Away from the conference, Rob and Cathryn also experienced their first driverless taxi ride. It was a slightly unnerving experience at first, but one they soon got used to - another example of automation becoming part of everyday life.
Overall, SLAS Sample Management 2026 was a brilliant few days and a worthwhile trip for the team. We’re looking forward to following up on the conversations we started in San Francisco and continuing to explore how Labman can support the evolving needs of sample management.
Interested in MultiVial? Find out more about how direct laser marking can support reliable sample identification and automated laboratory workflows, or get in touch with the Labman team to discuss your requirements.