In the fast-paced environment of pathology labs, integrating hardware and software
systems smoothly is essential. One area that frequently causes confusion is the
integration of cassette and slide printers with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS).
Many labs believe they’re limited to only using printers from an LIS provider’s
“approved” or “certified” list. While this notion is widespread, it’s also a misconception
that can unnecessarily limit your options.
Let’s unpack the truth behind LIS/printer integration and what those approved lists
actually mean.
What Do “Approved” Printer Lists Really Mean?
When LIS companies publish a list of approved cassette or slide printers, they’re
typically indicating which models they have officially tested with their software. These
lists are often created for internal consistency and support purposes, and can give the
impression that only those devices are compatible.
However, these lists are not exhaustive—and they are not exclusive.
In many cases, a printer that is not on the approved list can still integrate perfectly with
your LIS, provided it meets basic technical requirements. One of the most common and
straightforward methods is through shared folder communication.
For example, EMA (Modernizing Medicine) lists the following printers as “approved” for
their system:
● Leica IPC
● Primera Technology Signature
● Rankin Clarity
● Or “Other”
What’s missing from this list? Some of the most advanced and in-demand options
currently on the market.
For example, the Dakewe C7 and C100—modern laser cassette printers—are not
listed, yet have been successfully and seamlessly integrated with EMA systems in
real-world pathology labs. These integrations were done using simple, reliable
file-based workflows (e.g., shared folder communication), demonstrating that LIS
compatibility often goes well beyond what’s shown on a vendor’s approved list.
Why Labs Are Moving Toward Laser Printing
The growing interest in printers like the Dakewe C7 and C100 reflects a larger trend in
the industry: laser printing is where the market is heading.
Compared to older inkjet or thermal transfer models, laser cassette printers offer
several key advantages:
● Permanent, high-contrast markings that won't fade or smear, even in harsh lab
conditions
● No ink, ribbons, or consumables—reducing ongoing costs and simplifying
maintenance
● Precision printing that supports smaller fonts and complex identifiers like 2D
barcodes
● Speed-average of 2.5 seconds per cassette
● Lower total cost of ownership over the life of the device
By relying solely on a LIS’s pre-approved printer list, labs risk missing out on these
next-generation benefits. Fortunately, as long as a printer can interpret a simple text file
dropped into a shared folder—a feature supported by nearly all LIS
platforms—integration is absolutely possible, regardless of brand or model.
The Shared Folder Method: A Universal Integration Approach
Most LIS platforms are capable of generating output files—such as text or CSV
files—that contain the data needed for printing cassettes and slides. If your printer
software can monitor a shared folder and automatically process those files, integration
is not only possible, but seamless.
This method allows for:
● Full automation without direct LIS-to-printer communication
● Flexibility in printer selection, including newer or more advanced models not
yet on LIS-approved lists
● Reduced reliance on vendor lock-in, lowering long-term costs and support
restrictions
In essence, if your LIS can drop a file into a shared folder, and your printer software can
pick it up, you’re in business.
Choosing a Printer
Choosing a printer outside of the LIS’s “approved” list does not mean you're sacrificing
functionality, compliance, or support—as long as the integration method is compatible.
Labs often find that alternative printers may:
● Offer better print quality
● Have lower operating costs
● Provide more modern features
● Be available with faster lead times
● Will print on your preferred cassette style (lid attached, detached, open style, tab placement, etc.)
It’s important to understand that “approved” doesn’t mean “only.” As long as you verify
file-based integration capability with your LIS provider or IT team, your lab can
confidently choose the printer that best meets your operational and budgetary needs.
Making an Informed Decision
Before defaulting to an “approved” printer, ask these key questions:
● Can our LIS export print data to a shared folder in a readable format?
● Can the printer software monitor and process that file type?
● What technical support is available from the printer manufacturer for integration?
The answers to these questions can help your lab move beyond artificial limitations and
adopt a solution that’s customized to your workflow—not the other way around.
Don't let approved lists box you in. With the right integration strategy, labs can
confidently choose from a broader range of cassette and slide printers—often unlocking
better technology and better value in the process.
If you’d like help evaluating integration options or confirming compatibility with your LIS, the Rankin team is here to assist.
For any questions on setup or compatibility, feel free to contact your account manager
directly, or email info@rankinbiomed.com or call 1-877-882-3679.
