Why Are So Many Pathology Labs Still Handwriting Slides?

In an era where pathology laboratories are increasingly adopting barcode tracking, digital workflows, and laboratory automation, one common practice still remains in many labs: handwritten slide labeling.

Even today, it is not unusual to see histotechnologists writing directly on slides beside the microtome, especially during lower-volume workflows or busy daily operations. Under the trend of digitization and informatization, this may appear outdated. With so many automated slide printers already available on the market, why do some laboratories still rely on handwriting?

The answer is often more related to workflow than technology itself, sometimes more related to pathologist's experience/preference.

Handwriting Label (scotch tape can prevent smudging)

In many pathology laboratories, slide preparation is still a highly sequential process. Technicians often cut, label, and process slides one at a time during microtomy. In these situations, immediate access to labeling becomes extremely important. If the printer is located across the room, or requires additional setup steps, handwriting may simply feel faster during busy periods.

Another reason frequently mentioned inside laboratories is workflow interruption. While modern pathology printers have become increasingly advanced, some laboratories still experience occasional issues such as printer jamming and delays caused by centralized printing setups. Over time, even small interruptions can become frustrating in high-volume environments where hundreds of slides may be processed every day.

Space limitation also plays an important role. Many microtome workstations already contain water baths, tools, slide trays, and other equipment within a very limited area. Larger printers may not fit comfortably beside the workstation, forcing technologists to move back and forth between stations during sectioning.

In addition, based on my own experience visiting different laboratories, some technologists simply enjoy handwriting labels. For certain people, the process itself feels familiar and comfortable during routine daily work. In highly repetitive laboratory environments, small manual habits sometimes become part of the personal workflow technicians are most comfortable with.

Pathology printer on Microtome

Interestingly, this is one reason why compact pathology printers have started receiving more attention in recent years. Rather than focusing only on printing speed, many laboratories are now paying closer attention to workflow integration, especially whether a printer can fit directly beside the microtome without disrupting daily operation.

Some laboratories have already started adopting workstation-based setups, where each microtome is paired directly with its own slide printer put on/beside the microtome directly. In these configurations, technologists are able to cut and print slides immediately at the workstation without needing to walk to a separate centralized printer area. This approach not only improves workflow efficiency, but also helps maintain smoother sectioning routines during busy daily operation. Especially in higher-volume environments, reducing unnecessary movement between the microtome and printing station can make the overall workflow feel significantly more natural and uninterrupted for technicians.

Workstation-based setups in pathology lab

Smaller workstation-friendly printers allow technologists to print slides immediately during sectioning while maintaining barcode traceability and labeling consistency. In many cases, the goal is not simply replacing handwriting, but reducing unnecessary workflow interruptions while making the labeling process feel more natural inside the laboratory.

As pathology laboratories continue balancing efficiency and traceability, handwritten labeling may gradually become less common as younger generations of pathology professionals become increasingly comfortable with technology. However, its continued presence today also reflects something important: in pathology workflows, convenience and reliability at the workstation level still matter just as much as automation itself.