Sample Barcode Scanning

Sample barcode scanning allows users to quickly locate a sample anywhere within LabHQ by scanning the barcode on a printed sample label. This removes the need to manually search for or enter sample identifiers.

Overview

When barcode scanning is enabled, LabHQ automatically listens for barcode scans while the application is open and the browser tab is active.

Scanning a valid sample barcode immediately opens the corresponding sample details screen, regardless of where you are currently working within the application.

Barcode scanning is enabled by default for all users.

Before You Start

To use barcode scanning:

• LabHQ must be open in your web browser.
• The LabHQ browser tab must be the active (selected) tab.
• A compatible barcode scanner must be connected to your computer as a keyboard (HID) device using keyboard wedge mode.
• The barcode scanner must be configured to send an Enter key after each scan.

How It Works

1. Open LabHQ and ensure that the LabHQ browser tab is active.
2. Scan the barcode on a supported sample label using a compatible barcode scanner.
3. LabHQ automatically detects the scan and locates the matching sample.
4. The sample details screen is opened automatically.

Unsaved Changes

If the page you are currently working on contains unsaved changes, LabHQ will not automatically discard your work. Instead, the system will allow users to choose whether to continue editing or discard changes and navigate to the scanned sample.

This helps to prevent accidental data loss.

Supported Barcodes

The default LabHQ sample label template includes a 1D barcode containing the sample identifier.

Custom sample label templates can also include the Sample Barcode data token, allowing compatible barcode labels to be generated using the standard LabHQ barcode format.

Current support includes:

• 1D barcodes

QR code support may be introduced in future.

Invalid Barcodes

If the scanned barcode is not recognized or the sample cannot be found, LabHQ will display an error message.

Disabling Barcode Listening

Barcode listening is enabled by default for all users.

Individual users can disable barcode listening within their personal user settings if required. To do this:

1. Click on your user profile in the top right of the app.
2. Disable the Barcode Scanning toggle.

This may be useful if:

• A barcode scanner is shared between multiple workstations.
• You do not routinely use barcode scanning.

Changing this setting only affects your own user account.