Most pharmacy systems print prescription labels on one of two kinds of printers: a thermal label printer or a laser printer. The label stock is different for each, so the first question when choosing labels is which printer your pharmacy software is set up to use.
Direct thermal printers create the image by applying heat to heat-sensitive label paper. There is no toner, ink cartridge, or ribbon to buy. The printers are compact, which is one reason they are common in independent pharmacies and long-term care. (Thermal transfer printers are a related type that uses a ribbon.)
Because the image is formed by heat, direct thermal labels should be kept away from prolonged heat and strong light before use. Label stock also has to be engineered for the printer — a mismatched roll can lead to fading, jams, and reprints.
Stat Products' stock direct thermal Rx labels, Style ZB and Style CB, are 7 15/16" × 4", with 320 labels per roll on 1" OD cores, 18 rolls per case (5,760 labels), printed in red and yellow with specialty inks for DT printers.
Laser labels are sheets that run through a standard office-style laser printer, which fuses toner onto the page. A single sheet typically combines the vial label with other parts of the form, such as warning labels, receipts, or patient information, depending on what your software prints.
Laser label stock needs to lie flat and hold toner well. Stat Products' laser pressure-sensitive labels use lay-flat stock specifically coated for toner adherence, in cartons of 1,000 sheets: LP (8½" × 9"), LT (8½" × 11"), LX (8½" × 13"), and LR (8½" × 14").
Not sure which style you use? Send us a print routine, a sample, or a recent invoice and we'll match it. Call 800-233-7828 or request a quote. See also thermal Rx labels and pharmacy laser labels.