Lab Leader's Edge

George Ambartsoumian, Ph.D.

Are you a lab leader looking to transform your lab's performance? Join host George Ambartsoumian, Ph.D., for in-depth conversations with industry leaders, lab managers, and seasoned lab experts from across the scientific community. Each discussion focuses on practical ways to optimize lab operations, manage diverse lab types such as biobanks, histology labs, and clinical facilities, and solve real-world lab challenges Actionable insights. Expert perspectives. Strategies you can apply right away. This is where lab leaders grow. See you inside!

Episodes

  1. FEB 26

    How to Digitize Biobank Operations with Barcode Technology (Part 2) | Special Guest: John Wagner

    Welcome to Episode 3 of Lab Leader’s Edge, the podcast for lab professionals who want to take their lab leadership and operations to the next level.In this continuation of our barcode series, Dr. George Ambartsoumian and sample management expert John Wagner move beyond the “why” and dive into the how of barcode implementation in biobanks.If Episode 2 explored the benefits of barcoding, this episode walks you through the practical decisions every biobank must make when implementing a barcode system, including choosing the right barcode type, selecting labels, printers, software, and scanners.💡 What You’ll Learn• The difference between 1D and 2D barcodes — and why 2D codes like Data Matrix are often ideal for biobanking• How container size and surface type affect barcode selection• How SnapPEEL® technology allows labeling both the cap and side of a vial in one step• Step-by-step guidance on mapping workflows before implementing barcoding• How barcodes improve sample collection, processing, storage, and retrieval• What to consider when selecting cryogenic labels for different temperature ranges• Thermal transfer vs direct thermal vs laser vs inkjet printing — and when each makes sense• When to use preprinted labels vs on-demand printing• How to choose the right barcode software and integrate it with your LIMS• The difference between label printing software and full LIMS platforms• How to select the right barcode scanner — laser vs imaging, wired vs wireless, real-time vs batchThis episode gives you a complete foundation for building a durable, scalable barcode system in demanding biobank environments — including cryogenic storage.📌 If you missed Part 1 (Episode 2), where we covered the fundamentals and benefits of barcoding in biobanks, be sure to watch that episode first. The link is below.https://youtu.be/8xuYBxluof8Have questions or want to be a guest?Connect with George on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeambartsoumian/For more information, visithttps://www.labtag.com/Labels for frozen samples:https://www.labtag.com/solutions/cryostuck/

    27 min
  2. 2025-08-14

    Strategies to Become a Better Lab Leader (Episode 1)

    Welcome to the first episode of Lab Leader’s Edge, the podcast for lab professionals who want to take their lab leadership to the next level. In this kickoff episode, host Dr. George Ambartsoumian, a scientist and founder of LabTAG, shares three foundational strategies to help you run a more efficient, organized, and empowered lab. What You’ll Learn: Why are clear, written SOPs essential for reducing errors and maintaining consistency across the labHow to standardize sample labeling using unique identifiers and barcode technologyHow color-coding can speed up sample retrieval and prevent mix-upsWhy regular inventory checks are essential, and how barcoding and LIMS can simplify the processThe importance of team training and development, and where to find helpful courses, communities, and learning resourcesRecommended conferences, podcasts, and learning platforms for lab leaders in biobanking, clinical, and research labs Resources mentioned in the episode Associations ISBER – International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories ASCP-American Society of Clinical Pathology NSH – National Society for Histotechnology CAP – College of American Pathologists BBMRI ERIC – Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure – European Research Infrastructure Consortium Courses Essentials of Biobanking by ISBER Lab Management University (Fundamentals) Lab Management University (Advanced) University of Pathology Informatics Leadership Institute LabVine Learning Lab Manager Academy Podcasts Podcast – Inside the Lab Podcast – Lab Medicine Rounds Podcast – eLABorate Topics Podcast – Wizards of Biobanking Podcast – BBMRI-ERIC Podcast Communities Labrats Medlabprofessionals  Medical Laboratory Scientists - MLS/MLT(ASCP), AMT, AAB Medical Laboratory Professionals DLT/DMLT/BMLT/PGMLT Laboratory Professionals International Laboratory Management Professionals - Hospital & Independent Laboratories Have questions or want to be a guest? Connect with George on LinkedIn: George Ambartsoumian

    10 min

About

Are you a lab leader looking to transform your lab's performance? Join host George Ambartsoumian, Ph.D., for in-depth conversations with industry leaders, lab managers, and seasoned lab experts from across the scientific community. Each discussion focuses on practical ways to optimize lab operations, manage diverse lab types such as biobanks, histology labs, and clinical facilities, and solve real-world lab challenges Actionable insights. Expert perspectives. Strategies you can apply right away. This is where lab leaders grow. See you inside!