WO2025134163A1

WO2025134163A1 - Reverse marking of microscope slides

Info

Publication number: WO2025134163A1
Application number: PCT/IT2023/000038
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrea Mario Bertolini; Abdelkrim HARCHI; Robinson Anandakathir; Philip KYD
Original assignee: New Erie Scientific LLC
Current assignee: New Erie Scientific LLC
Priority date: 2023-12-18
Filing date: 2023-12-18
Publication date: 2025-06-26
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-18
Also published as: EP4665588A1; CN121100065A

Abstract

Systems, methods, and devices for reverse labeling microscope sheets with laser- markable ink are described. In some embodiments, laser-markable ink may be applied to a first surface of a microscope sheet. A laser may be provided to a second surface opposite the first surface of the microscope sheet. The laser may pass through a thickness of the microscope sheet from the second surface to the laser-markable ink disposed on the first surface. The laser may interact with the laser-markable ink generating a chemical reaction carbonizing the laser-markable ink to create a change in color of the laser-markable ink that is observable through the microscope sheet. Labels observable through the microscope sheet may be created by marking the laser-markable ink.

Description

REVERSE MARKING OF MICROSCOPE SLIDES

BACKGROUND

1. Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to labeling microscope slides. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to labeling microscope slides with laser-markable ink.

2. Related Art

[0002] In typical medical processes involving microscopes, microscope slides are marked for tracking purposes. Previous methods of labeling microscope slides include various methods including writing labels by hand directly on the microscope slide or on a surface of the microscope slide, etching on the surface of the microscope slides, ink jet printing, thermal transfer printing, and etching on the surface of the slides or through an ink layer on the surface of the slides using a scribe, rotating bit, or laser. Each of these methods have limitations. For example, hand-labeling the microscope slides is limited by the amount of information humans can write in such a small space. Etchings on the microscope slides make up for this limitation but create a label that includes information losses during the etching process and can be difficult to read by humans.

[0003] It is also desirable to produce labeled microscope slides in bulk. NaTve methods of labeling slides in bulk with laser-markable ink include heating the front surface of the laser-markable ink with a laser to mark the ink on the microscope slide. However, this method has an important drawback: when the laser-markable ink is heated, particulates are released from the laser-markable ink into the air, resulting in particulates being dispersed throughout the working area and potentially being inhaled by equipment operators. If the particulates build up on the machines and the work area, poor quality markings typically result, and expensive and time-consuming post-processing cleaning processes are required to prevent damage to the machines and handling of unwanted potential hazardous particles and vapors. As such, such methods are inefficient and potentially hazardous to operators.

SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure solve the above-mentioned problems by providing improved systems and methods for labeling microscope slides through the use of laser-markable ink in a reverse-marking process.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of labeling a microscope slide sheet, the method including: applying a laser-markable ink to a first surface of the microscope slide sheet; and applying a laser beam to a second surface of the microscope slide sheet opposite the first surface to expose a patterned portion of the laser-markable ink on the first surface of the microscope slide sheet to the laser beam passing through the microscope slide sheet from the second surface to the first surface, thereby initiating a chemical reaction in the laser-markable ink to cause a change in color in the patterned portion of the laser-markable ink to mark the microscope slide sheet without etching the microscope slide sheet.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including: selecting a value for a parameter for the laser beam, wherein the parameter is selected from a set consisting of a wavelength, an energy density, a laser speed, a power, a frequency, a pulse length, a spot size, and a spot shape. [0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the laser-markable ink is applied in a thickness range of 5 micrometers to 100 micrometers.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein particles released by the chemical reaction are captured between the first surface of the microscope slide sheet and unreacted laser-markable ink.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the chemical reaction results in carbonization of the laser-markable ink.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including: labeling a first portion of the microscope slide sheet with the laser-markable ink by the laser beam on the first surface without etching the first surface, wherein the first portion is opposite a second portion of the second surface configured to receive a sample for analysis.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including: marking a first portion of the laser-markable ink before receiving a sample; and marking a second portion of the laser-markable ink after receiving the sample.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including cutting the microscope slide sheet into a plurality of microscope slides.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the microscope slide sheet consists of a single microscope slide.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of labeling a microscope slide, the method including: providing the microscope slide including a laser-markable ink on a first surface of the microscope slide; and applying a laser beam to a second surface of the microscope slide opposite the first surface to expose a patterned portion of the laser-markable ink on the first surface of the microscope slide to the laser beam passing through the microscope slide from the second surface to the first surface, thereby initiating a carbonization reaction in the laser-markable ink to cause a change in color in the patterned portion of the laser-markable ink to mark the microscope slide without etching the microscope slide.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the patterned portion of the laser-markable ink subjected to the carbonization reaction is a first layer of the laser-markable ink, wherein the first layer is sealed between the first surface and a second layer of the laser-markable ink not subjected to the carbonization reaction.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the patterned portion of the laser-markable ink subjected to the carbonization reaction is a first layer of the laser-markable ink, wherein the first layer is sealed between the first surface and an auxiliary sheet disposed on the first surface.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method: wherein the microscope slide includes an epoxy sealant layer applied to the first surface over the laser-markable ink, wherein the patterned portion of the laser-markable ink subjected to the carbonization reaction is a first layer of the laser-markable ink, wherein the first layer is sealed between the first surface and the epoxy sealant layer.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the second surface includes an area designated to receive a sample for analysis, wherein the patterned portion of the first surface is opposite the area of the second surface designated to receive the sample for the analysis.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the laser-markable ink includes a dye or a pigmented ink, a polymer additive, an inorganic material, and a solvent.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the patterned portion of the laser-markable ink is selected from a set consisting of a quick response code, a barcode, and a text label.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of labeling a microscope slide sheet, the method including: providing a microscope slide including a laser-markable ink on a first surface of the microscope slide sheet; and applying a laser beam to a second surface of the microscope slide sheet opposite the first surface to expose a patterned portion of the laser-markable ink on the first surface of the microscope slide sheet to the laser beam passing through the microscope slide sheet from the second surface to the first surface, thereby initiating a chemical reaction in a first layer of the laser-markable ink to cause a change in color in the patterned portion of the laser- markable ink to mark the microscope slide sheet without etching the microscope slide sheet, wherein reaction products of the chemical reaction are sealed between the first surface of the microscope slide sheet and a second layer of the laser-markable ink that is unreacted.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the first surface of the microscope slide sheet includes an area designated to receive a sample for analysis. [0023] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the chemical reaction darkens the patterned portion of the laser-markable ink and wherein the patterned portion is selected from a set consisting of a quick response code, a barcode, and a marked label.

[0024] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the laser-markable ink is a first laser-markable ink of a first color, wherein the microscope slide sheet further includes a second laser-markable ink of a second color applied to at least another portion of the microscope slide sheet.

[0025] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary laser marking system;

[0028] FIG. 2 depicts various patterns of laser-markable ink applied to microscope slides;

[0029] FIGS. 3A-3C depict an exemplary microscope sheet reverse marking process by the laser marking system; [0030] FIG. 4 depicts a flow chart illustrating a reverse laser marking method of embodiments; and

[0031] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary hardware platform for some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0032] The drawing figures do not limit the present disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure references the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which the present disclosure can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the present disclosure in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure. Other embodiments can be utilized, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of embodiments of the present disclosure is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0034] In this description, references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "embodiments" mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate reference to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "embodiments" in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, or act described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments but is not necessarily included. Thus, the technology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

[0035] Generally, microscope slide sheets, referenced herein as “sheets,” may be prepared for labeling by applying a laser-markable ink. The laser-markable ink may be applied on the sheet at a position where the label is to be created. The laser-markable ink application may be performed manually by a person or automatically by a machine. In some embodiments, the laser-markable ink may comprise various colors to provide various colors of labels on the sheet or various colors of backgrounds to the labels to add contrast to the information provided on the sheet and for tracking purposes. In some embodiments, the laser-markable ink may be provided on the surface of the sheet, which may be transparent or translucent and may be made of glass and/or plastic. In some embodiments, a laser beam may then be applied to a side of the sheet opposite the laser- markable ink. The laser may interact with the laser-markable ink generating heat resulting in a chemical reaction that “marks” the ink by changing the color of the ink (for example, by a carbonization process). Consequently, the laser-markable ink on the side of the slide opposite the origin of the laser is marked. As such, any particulates that may form from the laser incident on the laser-markable ink and generation of the ink mark on the sheet may be contained between the sheet surface and unreacted ink and/or an auxiliary sheet or layer provided thereon. Further details of microscope sheet marking by laser marking laser-markable ink may be found in commonly owned U.S. Application Serial No. [Docket No. 2971-2.00], titled “LABELING TECHNIQUE USING LASER-MARKABLE INK” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. All, or some of the embodiments described herein may be performed by an ink manufacturer for producing slides for an end user. Similarly, or alternatively, laser-markable ink 24, laser parameters, and process descriptions, as described herein may be provided to the end user (e.g., a lab, a hospital, an education institution, a pharmaceutical company, or the like), and the end user may perform all or some of the processes described herein. As such, any combination of processes may be performed by a manufacturer and/or the end user.

[0036] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of laser marking system 10 for marking microscope slides. In some embodiments, laser marking system 10 comprises computer 18 communicatively coupled to laser system 12 configured to cause laser 22 to mark laser-markable ink 24 (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, computer 18 comprises hardware system 500 (FIG. 5) configured to receive input from a user and provide instructions to actuate actuators (not shown) to operate laser 22 and/or platform 16 to label sheet 14.

[0037] In some embodiments, laser marking system 10 may be manual such that the user controls operation of laser 22 and the movement of laser 22 and/or the movement of sheet 14 to generate the labels described herein. In some embodiments, laser marking system 10 may be fully automated such that operation of laser 22 and/or movement of laser 22 and/or movement of sheet 14 is automated to generate the labels. In some embodiments, laser marking system 10 may comprise one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, perform methods of generating the labels described herein. Embodiments are contemplated in which a plurality of lasers may be utilized to mark the layer on sheet 14 such that multiple portions of the layer of laser-markable ink 24 on sheet 14 are being marked simultaneously.

[0038] In some embodiments, sheet 14 may be placed on platform 16 and marked in an automated process, a manual process, or a combination of manual and automated. In some embodiments, the automated process may comprise automatically retrieving, tabbing, marking, and packaging sheet 14. Similarly, a plurality of sheets may be retrieved, tabbed, marked, and packaged. As such, sheet 14 may represent one slide or a plurality of slides (e.g., slide 20). As such, the processes described herein may apply to sheet 14 comprising a plurality of slides or sheet 14 comprising a single slide (e.g., slide 20). Some descriptions herein reference slide 20, but it should be understood that slide 20 may be simply sheet 14 comprising a single slide.

[0039] In some embodiments, sheet 14 may be positioned on platform 16 below laser 22. Sheet 14 may be positioned on platform 16 by the user or may be positioned by a machine automatically. In some embodiments, prior to placement on platform 16, cover 26 (comprising a rectangular area of laser-markable ink 24) may be applied to sheet 14. Cover 26 may be applied to either a front surface or a back surface of sheet 14. As such, laser 22 may travel through thickness 40 (FIG. 3A) of sheet 14 before interacting with laser-markable ink 24 between unreacted ink and the surface of sheet 14. The application of laser-markable ink 24 on sheet 14 is discussed in more detail below.

[0040] In some embodiments, laser 22 may enter second surface 38 (FIG. 3A) of sheet 14, travel through thickness 40 of sheet 14, and react with laser-markable ink 24 on first surface 36 (FIG. 3A) of sheet 14. In some embodiments, values for laser parameters of laser 22 may be selected prior to exposing sheet 14 to the beam of laser 22. In some embodiments, laser parameters comprise settings for laser 22 that may be input into computer 18 and stored accessible by the at least one processor described herein. In some embodiments, laser parameters for which values may be selected include wavelength, energy density, laser marking speed, power, frequency, pulse length, and spot size, as well as any other suitable parameter.

[0041] In some embodiments, the wavelength of laser 22 may be within a range of 157 nanometers (nm) to 10,600 nm. Further, in some embodiments, the wavelength of laser 22 may be within a range of 500 nm to 5,000 nm. For example, the wavelength of laser 22 may have a wavelength of 1064 nm. Furthermore, the wavelength of laser 22 may be in the ultraviolet (UV) range of 300-400nm. Broadly, any suitable wavelength range is contemplated for use with the invention, as are multiple wavelengths of laser 22. In some embodiments, the energy density of laser 22 may be within a range of 0.3 millijoules per square centimeter (mJ/cm²) to 50 mJ/cm². In some embodiments, the speed of laser 22 marking may be within a range of 100 millimeters per second (mm/s) to 2,000 mm/s. Further, in some embodiments, the speed of laser marking may be within a range of 600 mm/s to 1200 mm/s. For example, the speed of laser 22 marking may be 1 ,000 mm/s. In some embodiments, the power of laser 22 may be within a range of 5% to 100% of the total power of laser 22. Further, in some embodiments, the power of laser 22 may be within a range of 50% to 100% of the total power of laser 22. Embodiments are contemplated in which the total power of laser 22 may be within a range of 1 watt (W) to 1 ,000 W. For example, the total power of laser 22 may be 2.5 W.

[0042] In some embodiments, the frequency of laser 22 may be within a range of 5 kilohertz (kHz) to 500 kHz. For example, the frequency of laser 22 may be 300 kHz. Further, in some embodiments, the frequency of laser 22 may be within a range of 50 kHz to 200 kHz. In some embodiments, the pulse length of laser 22 may be within the range of 5 ps to 50 ps. Further, in some embodiments, the pulse length of laser 22 may be within the range of 10 microseconds (ps) to 25 ps. For example, the pulse length of laser 22 may be 20 ps. In some embodiments, the selected parameters depend at least in part on the type of laser used for the reverse laser marking processes described herein. In some embodiments, the selected parameters depend at least in part on the layer of laser- markable ink 24. Further, in some embodiments, the selected parameters depend at least in part on any combination of chemical properties, physical properties, and composition of laser-markable ink 24. For example, in some embodiments, laser 22 may utilize non- visible laser parameters (e.g., wavelength 1064 nm, maximum power output 3 W, minimum pulse energy 0.1 mJ, and pulse duration 3 nanoseconds), and visible laser parameters (e.g., wavelength 640 nm and maximum output power of 5 milliwatts). The parameters of laser 22 described herein are intended to be exemplary only and may be modified to optimize marking of laser-markable ink 24 on sheet 14.

[0043] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary slide 20 that, in some embodiments, could be one slide of a plurality of slides of sheet 14 or could be the entirety of sheet 14. In some embodiments, slide 20 may be manufactured by applying laser-markable ink 24 to portion 28 of a surface of slide 20 to create a layer of laser-markable ink 24 on slide 20. In some embodiments, the process used to apply the layer of laser-markable ink 24 comprises any combination of screen printing, rotary screen printing, ink-jet printing, digital printing, offset printing, pad printing, gravure printing, rotogravure printing, lithograph printing, surface printing, flexographic printing, stamping, painting, drawing, sketching, and spraying, as well as any other suitable applying process and constituents thereof.

[0044] In some embodiments, laser-markable ink 24 comprises pigmented ink and/or a dye, polymer additives, inorganic materials, and solvent. In some embodiments, laser- markable ink may include oil-based, water-borne, non-solvent inks. In some embodiments, mixing of laser-markable ink may be achieved by utilizing any combination of a vortex mixer, a paddle mixer, a tumbler mixer, a blender, a stand mixer, a static mixer, an agitator, roll milling, and a homogenizer, as well as any other suitable mixing methods. In some embodiments, the mixture may comprise, by weight percent, 50% to 80% pigmented ink, 10% to 35% inorganic material, 5% to 20% polymer additives, and 5% to 35% solvent. In some embodiments, the base pigment ink may include inorganic material, polymers, and solvents as well. For example, the mixture may comprise, by weight percent, 55% pigmented ink, 25% inorganic material, 15% polymer additive, and 5% solvent. In another example, the mixture may comprise, by weight percent, 55% pigmented ink, 30% inorganic material, 10% polymer additive, and 5% solvent. In some embodiments, additives may be utilized that may only require 1-3% addition but may achieve similar marking results. Any additives may be utilized to optimize the ink marking process.

[0045] In some embodiments, the polymer additives comprise any combination of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), poly(2,6-dimethyl-1 ,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO), poly(1 ,4-phenylene sulfide) (PPS), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyether ether ketone (PEEK), as well as any other suitable polymer additive and constituents thereof. In some embodiments, the inorganic material comprises any combination of such as bismuth(lll) oxide, antimony(lll) oxide, antimony tin oxide, titanium(IV) oxide, aluminum oxide, aluminum silicate, titanium carbide, indium tin oxide, yttrium aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, as well as any other suitable inorganic additives and combination of constituents thereof. In some embodiments, the solvent may comprise any combination of water, acetone, alcohols, ethers, and aromatic hydrocarbons, as well as any other suitable solvent and constituents thereof. Embodiments are contemplated in which dye may be used in tandem or instead of pigmented ink.

[0046] In some embodiments, the mixture formulation may depend, at least in part, on the desired color of the ink. Alternatively, in some embodiments, a formulation of the mixture may be utilized regardless of the color of the ink. In some embodiments, the pigmented ink may comprise any combination of white, black, blue, green, red, cyan, magenta, and yellow, as well as any other suitable color and constituents thereof. For example, a mixture of red pigmented ink and blue pigmented ink may provide a pigmented ink with a purple coloring. Embodiments are contemplated in which laser-markable ink 26 may be transparent, translucent, or opaque prior to marking. In some embodiments, white pigmented ink and/or black pigmented ink may be added to other colored pigmented ink to create different hues, tints, tones, or shades of another pigmented ink. In some embodiments, the viscosity of the ink may be within a range of 30, kilo-centipoise (i.e., pascal-seconds, KcPs) to 100, KcPs. The exemplary ranges provided herein may be preferred, in embodiments; however, inks can exist and be processed at lower and higher viscosities depending on methods. For example, digital printing inks may comprise 10 centipoise (0.01 kilo-centipoise). Any method described herein may be optimized based on laser parameters, ink type, sheet material type, process type, and the like.

[0047] In some embodiments, heating or cooling may be applied concurrently with the mixing of the pigmented ink, polymer additives, inorganic materials, and solvent. For example, heating may be applied to facilitate the mixing of the pigmented ink, polymer additives, inorganic materials, and solvent.

[0048] In some embodiments, laser-markable ink 24 may be applied to portion 28 of slide 20 as well as any other location on slide 20. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, laser-markable ink is applied at portion 28, label 30, and symbol 32. It should be noted that any portion of slide 20 may be inked in preparation for labeling by laser 22. Particularly, in the processes described herein where laser-markable ink 24 is applied to a side of slide 20 opposite the origin of laser 22, a medical sample may be applied to the surface of slide 20 without interfering with laser-markable ink 24, as the sample and laser- markable ink 24 will be on opposite sides of slide 20. This process is described in more detail below.

[0049] In some embodiments, label 30 comprises any combination of shapes, text, characters, and numerals, as well as any other suitable labels and constituents thereof. For example, as depicted in FIG. 2, label 30 may comprise a combination of characters and numerals such that slide 20 may be distinguishable from other microscope slides. In another example, label 30 may comprise a company name and/or logo such that a plurality of identical inked microscope slides may be created in an automated process.

[0050] In some embodiments, laser-markable ink 24 may include symbol 32 comprising any combination of shapes, forms, bodies, patterns, fills, frames, and borders, as well as any other suitable symbol indicative of slide 20 and/or a material sample on slide 20. For example, symbol 32 may comprise a border around the edge of slide 20 to indicate usable space of slide 20. In some embodiments, symbol 32 comprises a shape to distinguish the utilization of slide 20. For example, a slide with a circular symbol may be utilized for different purposes than a slide with a square symbol. Any representation of text, numbers, symbols, colors, and the like may be indicative of any patient, sample, hospital, tracking data, and the like and may be presented as any of portion 28, label 30, symbol 32.

[0051] In some embodiments, laser-markable ink 24 may cover a predetermined percentage of the surface area of sheet 14 and/or slide 20 such that laser-markable ink 24 may comprise a surface area suitable to be marked using laser marking process described herein. In some embodiments, laser-markable ink 24 covers 5% to 50% of the surface area of sheet 14. However, using the methods described herein, laser markable ink 24 may cover any amount of the surface area of sheet 14 as described in embodiments below. In some embodiments, thickness 56 (FIG. 3C) of laser-markable ink 24 may be less than 200 micrometers (pm). In some embodiments, thickness 56 of laser- markable ink 24 may be within a range of 5 pm to 100 pm. Further, in some embodiments, thickness 56 of laser-markable ink 24 may be within a range of 15 pm to 35 pm. Thickness 56 of laser-markable ink 24 may depend, at least in part, on the reverse laser marking process described below. For example, thickness 56 of laser-markable ink 24 may be greater than 12 pm such that only a partial thickness of laser-markable ink 24 is reactive to laser radiation, in order to reduce the risk of through-etching. Embodiments are contemplated in which thickness 56 of laser-markable ink 24 may depend at least in part on any combination of chemical properties, physical properties, and a composition of laser-markable ink 24. For example, a more viscous formulation of laser-markable ink 24 may result in thickness 56 within the range of 5 pm to 20 pm. Broadly, the flow characteristics of laser-markable ink 24 will change thickness 56.

[0052] Embodiments are also contemplated in which thickness 56 of laser-markable ink 24 may depend at least in part on the process utilized for applying laser-markable ink 24 to microscope slide 20. For example, a screen-printing process may provide a layer of laser-markable ink 24 with thickness 56 within the range of 15 pm to 35 pm. Handapplying or automated painting a layer of laser-markable ink 24 to microscope slide 20 may result in thickness 56 within the range of 50 pm to 80 pm. To attain desired thickness 56 of laser-markable ink 24, various methods may be applied as well as one or more layers.

[0053] In some embodiments, one or more layers of laser-markable ink 24 may be applied to slide 20. For example, a first layer of laser-markable ink 24 may be a first color and may be provided on portion 28 of the surface of slide 20, and a second layer of laser- markable ink 24 of a second color may be provided on portion 28 of the surface of slide 20. In some embodiments, a portion covered by the first layer of laser-markable ink 24, and a portion covered by the second layer of laser-markable ink 13 may at least partially overlap or not overlap. In some embodiments, a plurality of layers of laser-markable ink 24 may be sequentially or concurrently applied to slide 20. For example, in a screenprinting process, a white layer and a red layer of laser-markable ink 24 may be applied sequentially through the use of a conveyor belt system incorporated into the screenprinting process. Similarly, in some embodiments, multiple layers of laser-markable ink 24 of various colors may be applied. In some embodiments, laser-markable ink 24 may comprise any combination of white, black, blue, green, red, cyan, magenta, and yellow, and any other color and/or combination of constituents thereof. In some embodiments, the color of laser-markable ink 24 may be an identifier for slide 20. For example, a red layer of laser-markable ink 24 may be utilized to identify that slide 20 has been through a chemical bath and may require protective gear to handle safely.

[0054] FIGS. 3A and 3B depict sheet 14 in a perspective view with the hidden back edges (i.e., edges of first surface 36) shown as broken lines to better clarify the surface that comprises laser-markable ink 24. However, first surface 36 and second surface 38 are interchangeable and laser-markable ink 24 may be applied to either first surface 36 or second surface 38. FIG. 3A depicts exemplary sheet 14 comprising various slide portions 34, which may be cut into microscope slides (e.g., slide 20, FIG. 3B). In some embodiments, sheet 14 may be labeled at slide portion 28 by exposing laser-markable ink 24 to a laser beam from laser 22 from second surface 38 through to a back side of first surface 36 through sheet thickness 40. In some embodiments, slide portion 28 may comprise a markable portion that may be labeled by laser 22. The labels may include any combination of indicia 42 (e.g., quick response (QR) code or a barcode), slide portion 28, label 30, and symbol 32 may comprise any numbers, letters, shapes, colors, and the like, providing information indicative of patients, samples, healthcare, insurance, Electronic Health Record (EHR) information, health codes, hospital/healthcare practitioner information, and the like. In some embodiments, indicia 42 may comprise data for one or more microscope slides of the plurality of microscope slides that will be manufactured from sheet 14, discussed above. For example, label 30 may comprise any of patient information, an identification number, a date, a time, text, and numerals, as well as any other suitable information and constituents thereof. Similarly, or alternatively, indicia 42 may comprise machine-readable indicia allowing computers to link to computer-readable data comprising information about a patient, a sample, identification numbers, a patient’s EHR, date, time, insurance, and the like.

[0055] In some embodiments, indicia 42 may be scanned by a scanner in communication with a computer that may decode the information encoded by indicia 42. Indicia 42 may be scanned, providing the machine-readable code associated with a dataset (e.g., EHR). The dataset may comprise data associated with a patient and the patient’s medical history, hospital/healthcare provider information, insurance information, sample tracking information (e.g., sample, patient, date, time, hospital, insurance) and the like. As such, any data associated with the medical procedures may be documented, digitized, and stored in a database that may be accessible by scanning indicia 42 of slide 20.

[0056] In some embodiments, one of slide portion 28, label 30, and symbol 32 may include a combination of characters and numerals such that a unique identification sequence is marked on laser-markable ink 24 for one or more microscope slides from the plurality of microscope slides that can be manufactured from sheet 14. In some embodiments, labels (e.g., slide portion 28, label 30, and symbol 32) may comprise any combination of shapes, forms, bodies, patterns, fills, frames, and borders, as well as any other suitable symbol and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the labels may comprise at least a portion of the layer of laser-markable ink 24 and up to the entirety of the layer of laser-markable ink 24. For example, by marking the QR code onto the layer of laser-markable ink 24, 40% of the layer of laser-markable ink 24 may comprise portion 28 to create QR code. In another example in which the layer of laser-markable ink 24 comprises inked symbol 32 and label 30, the entirety of laser-markable ink 24 may be used.

[0057] In some embodiments, sheet 14 may be cut on line 44 to create a plurality of slides from sheet 14. In some embodiments, sheet 14 may be cut using a laser, saw, knife, drill, waterjet, scribing and breaking, and the like. Each slide of the plurality of slides of sheet 14 may be cut from sheet 14 before, after, or during the marking process described below and illustrated in FIGS. 3B-3C. For example, sheet 14 may be scribed and broken along line 44 to create individual slides (e.g., slide 20).

[0058] FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C depict slide 20, which may be an independent sheet (e.g., sheet 14) or may be one of a plurality of slides cut from sheet 14. Either way, the laser marking process described herein may be the same or similar. As depicted in FIG. 3B, laser 22 is marking laser-markable ink 24 to generate text 46. Furthermore, indicia 42 on portion 28 was generated by laser 22 marking laser-markable ink 24. In some embodiments, slide 20 may comprise any combination of portion 28 comprising indicia 42 and text 46, label 30, symbol 32, and any other suitable labels and combinations thereof. Labeling microscope slides with a high density of information per unit area is advantageous due to the limited space available for labeling on a microscope slide. Most microscope slides allow for 5% to 50% for labeling while the microscope slides are already small at an average surface area of three square inches. By increasing the amount of data that can be reliably transferred to a microscope slide, the small surface area available for labeling is no longer a problem. Further, scannable codes (i.e., QR codes and barcodes) can be utilized to further increase the density of information labeled on the microscope slides.

[0059] In some embodiments, by providing laser-markable ink 24 on first surface 36 opposite laser 22 there is no interference between labeling and providing a sample on second surface 38. Typically, space 48 extends the length of a microscope slide from portion 28 to the bottom of the slide to provide space for samples. This limits available space for portion 28 comprising laser-markable ink 24; however, because laser-markable ink is provided on first surface 36 and the area designated to receive the sample is provided on second surface 38 there is no, or reduced, possibility of contamination. Therefore, portion 28 may extend to any portion of the length of slide 20 without contamination of any applied sample. Here, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, additional portion 50 comprising laser-markable ink 24 on first surface 36 is provided. As such, the entire first surface 36 of slide 20 may be available for adding laser-markable ink 24 and labeling slide 20 with laser 22. Furthermore, in some embodiments, various labels may be provided on first surface 36 and second surface 38. For example, portion 28 may be a standard label applied to second surface 38 and marked with laser 22, and additional portion 50 may comprise laser-markable ink 24 applied to first surface 36 and marked through slide thickness 40 by laser 22. As such, laser-markable ink 24 may be applied to surfaces opposite sample or the sample may be applied to the same side as laser- markable ink. Furthermore, laser-markable ink 24 may be transparent, translucent, or opaque prior to marking. Therefore, any portion of laser-markable ink 24 not marked may be transparent or translucent allowing viewing through sheet 14. As such, any combination of laser-markable ink 24 on either or both first surface 36 and second surface 38 may be provided.

[0060] In some embodiments, portion 28 and additional portion 50 may be marked by different entities at different times. For example, portion 28 may be marked by a third- party entity. As such, portion 28 may comprise information provided by the third-party entity, and additional portion 50 may be marked by a hospital, lab, research facility, or the like, or vice versa. Furthermore, in an exemplary scenario, additional portion 50 may be marked with sample information and/or slide tracking data prior to receiving a sample and portion 28 may be marked after the sample with results of lab tests, and analysis of the sample. Therefore, all data related to the sample, patient, tracking data, analysis, and results, may be applied to slide 20. As such, a plurality of labels comprising information provided by a plurality of institutions may be added to slide 20 at various times of sampling and analysis.

[0061] FIG. 3C depicts a side view of sheet 14 comprising slide 20 receiving laser 14 marking laser-markable ink 24. As shown, laser-markable ink may be applied to first surface 36 of slide 20 before marking. Laser-markable ink 24 may be applied in any of the above-described methods and may comprise any of the above-described materials. Furthermore, laser-markable ink 24 may be cured and/or processed in any abovedescribed manner prior to marking with laser 22. When slide 20 is prepared for marking, slide 20 may be positioned on platform 16 under laser 22 such that the laser marking, as described above, may begin.

[0062] In some embodiments, slide 20 may be positioned on platform 16 first surface 36 (inked side) down such that second surface 38, which has no ink applied, is exposed to laser 22. Therefore, first surface 36 may be adjacent platform 16 and opposite laser 22. In some embodiments, as described above, second surface 38 may then be exposed to the bean of laser 22. The beam then may pass through second surface 38 and slide thickness 40 with minimal to no interaction, refraction, or resistance. Laser 22 may then interact with laser-markable ink 24 disposed on first surface 36. As laser 22 interacts with laser-markable ink 24, laser-markable ink 24 may heat up creating a chemical reaction. In some embodiments, the reaction comprises any combination of oxidation, carbonization, polymerization, decomposition, foaming, particle migration, deencapsulation, and cross-linking. In some embodiments, this reaction (e.g., the carbonization) may mark laser-markable ink 24 creating a different color (e.g., black or darkened) of laser-markable ink 24 on a portion of first surface 36 that shows through slide 20. For example, the carbonization process may convert components, particularly organic components, of laser-markable ink 24 to carbon generating a dark color. Embodiments are contemplated in which the layer of laser-markable ink 24 may be a darker color (e.g., black or gray). As such, when the laser marking process is applied, laser 22 may initiate a reaction of at least a portion of laser-markable ink 24 to brighten or further darken the color of laser-markable ink 24. Furthermore, in some embodiments, additives may be added to laser-markable ink 24 to facilitate or assist in the facilitation of the chemical reaction. For example, titanium dioxide may comprise any percentage of the overall formulation. For example, titanium dioxide may comprise approximately 1%-75% or 20%-60% of the total formulation of laser-markable ink 24. As such, portion 28 and additional portion 50 comprising the various symbols, shapes, forms, text, numbers, and the like described above may be generated by applying laser 22 to laser-markable ink 24 to generate the chemical reaction in laser-markable ink 24. The marking of laser-markable ink 24 on first surface 36 may generate the information provided on portion 28 (e.g., indicia 42 and text 46) as well as label 30, symbol 32 and any other labels that may be provided on slide 20 and sheet 14 as described above.

[0063] In some embodiments, laser-markable ink 24 may be darkened when marked. Alternatively, in some embodiments, marking laser-markable ink 24 with laser 22 may cause at least a portion of laser-markable ink 24 to brighten or lighten the color. In other embodiments, the color of laser-markable ink 24 may change due to the reaction caused by laser 22. The change in color of laser-markable ink 24 may be clearly viewed from second surface 38 of slide 20 such that a person or a machine may observe the marked portions of marked laser-markable ink 24, providing the above-described visualizations of portion 28 and additional portion 50, label 30, and symbol 32.

[0064] In some embodiments, the above-described laser parameters and laser- markable ink characteristics may combine to generate variations in the marked laser- markable ink 24 color. For example, a marking on a thicker and/or more viscous, layer of laser-markable ink 24 may result in a darker marking than a thinner and/or less viscous layer of the same layer of laser-markable ink 24. In some embodiments, the brightness or color of the marking may depend at least in part on the initial color of laser-markable ink 24.

[0065] In some embodiments, when laser interacts with laser-markable ink 24 is subjected to the above-described reaction, particles 52 of wet ink, dry ink, cured ink, and/or carbonized particles 52 may be created and suspended in reaction zone 54 and/or between layers of unreacted laser-markable ink 24 and first surface 36. Consequently, laser-markable ink 24 may prevent plumes of particles 52 (for example, reaction products) from being emitted into the air by sealing the particles 52 between unreacted laser- ]markable ink and first surface 36.

[0066] In some embodiments, ink thickness 56 of laser-markable ink 24 may be combined with the formulation of laser-markable ink 24 and the laser settings of laser 22 to reduce or eliminate airborne particles 52. Furthermore, in some embodiments, an air filter may be provided along with the reverse laser marking processes described herein to further reduce or eliminate airborne particulates. In some embodiments, laser parameters of laser 22 may include laser marking speeds of 400-1000 millimeters per second (mm/s). Any of the above-described laser parameters, marking speeds, laser- markable ink 24 thicknesses 56, and laser-markable ink formulations may be modified to optimize the reverse laser marking processes described herein based on ink color and particle count.

[0067] In some embodiments, auxiliary sheet 58 may provide another layer, or barrier, preventing particulates from being emitted into the air. In some embodiments, auxiliary sheet 58 may comprise plastic, glass, or any other material that may further provide a seal sealing in particles 52 or blocking particles 52 from releasing into the air. Auxiliary sheet 58 is an optional part and, in some embodiments, may be added as a redundant barrier. In some embodiments, when the reverse laser marking process is optimized, auxiliary sheet 58 may not be necessary. Alternatively, or in addition, an epoxy layer, glass layer, clear or translucent polymeric layer, or clear acrylic layer may be applied over the laser-markable ink on first surface 36. [0068] It is an advantage of the above-described process that, when slide 20 is marked, slide 20 is not etched. For example, slide 20 does not include etchings created through a laser etching process. In some embodiments, slide 20 may endure one or more tests without damaging or altering the laser-markable ink 24 or any marked portion of laser-markable ink 24. For example, slide 20 may endure any combination of stains, counter stains, bakes, temperature fluctuations, and chemical baths, as well as any other suitable tests and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, slide 20 may be resistant to degradation and damage. Embodiments are considered in which slide 20 receives a coating such that slide 20 remains undamaged and undegraded for approximately 15 to 20 years, or longer. Further, in some embodiments, the coating may be applied to at least a portion of the first surface 36 of slide 20. For example, an epoxy coating may be applied over the layer of laser-markable ink 24 on slide 20. In some embodiments, as glass is inert, there may be little-to-no degradation over time. As such, any coating may be unnecessary based on the material used for sheet 14.

[0069] Any refraction of laser 22 due to the material of slide 20 may be compensated for based on an angle between slide 20 and laser 22. In some embodiments, an angle between laser 22 and first surface 36 and/or second surface 38 can be 90 degrees or near 90 degrees to eliminate or reduce refraction, degradation, and interaction between laser 22 and the material of slide 20. As described herein, the term “transparent,” in various embodiments, may refer to the visible spectrum and/or the wavelength of laser 22. As such, “transparent” may be transparent to the human eye and/or laser 22 as laser 22 passes through sheet 14. For example, glass is considered transparent to a wavelength of 1064, which may be the wavelength of laser 22, in some embodiments. [0070] FIG. 4 depicts a flow chart illustrating an exemplary laser marking process 400. In some embodiments, all, or some of the steps of the methods described herein may be performed by an ink manufacturer for producing slides for an end user. Similarly, or alternatively, laser-markable ink 24, laser parameters, and process descriptions, may be provided to the end user (e.g., a lab, a hospital, an education institution, a pharmaceutical company, or the like), and the end user may perform all or some of the methods described herein. At step 402, laser-markable ink 24 may be applied to first surface 36 of sheet 14. Laser-markable ink 24 may be applied to first surface 36 of sheet 14 by any method described above including screen printing, stamping, painting, drawing, sketching, and spraying, as well as any other suitable applying process and combinations thereof. Laser- markable ink 24 may be applied to any portion of first surface 36, as the sample can be positioned on second surface 38 of sheet 14 such that there may be no contamination of the sample by laser-markable ink 24. Furthermore, laser-markable ink 24 may be cured by any method including any combination of drying, heating, UV treatment, and polymerization, as well as any suitable curing process and constituents thereof. For example, the curing process may comprise convection heating, infrared heating, and any other method of curing that may typically be used for curing ink. Furthermore, in some embodiments, cover 26 may be applied to first surface 36 to seal laser-markable ink 24 to first surface 36.

[0071] At step 404, sheet 14 may be positioned on platform 16 first surface 36 down as described in embodiments above. First surface 36 may comprise laser-markable ink 24 and may be positioned facing platform 16 such that laser-markable ink 24 is disposed on a side opposite a side of laser 22. [0072] At step 406, laser 22 may be operated to mark laser-markable ink 24. Laser 22 may be activated to pass through second surface 38 and thickness 40 to interact with laser-markable ink 24 disposed on first surface 36 of sheet 14. Laser 22 may interact with laser-markable ink 24 heating up laser-markable ink 24 and causing a reaction resulting in carbonization of laser-markable ink 24. Other chemical reactions, such as directly photo-catalyzed chemical reactions, are also contemplated. The reaction may result in a color change of laser-markable ink 24 that is visible through sheet 14. In some embodiments, during the reaction process particles 52 of carbonized ink may plume from reaction zone 54. Particles 52 may be captured between first surface 36 and unreacted ink, cover 26, auxiliary sheet 58 or a sealant layer (for example, an epoxy sealant layer), thereby sealing them away from the air and the laboratory equipment.

[0073] At step 408, the labels are generated by marking laser-markable ink 24 with laser 22. The labels that are generated comprise portion 28 and additional portion 50 with the various symbols, shapes, forms, text, numbers, and the like described above. The marking of laser-markable ink 24 on first surface 36 may generate the information provided on portion 28 (e.g., indicia 42 and text 46) as well as label 30, symbol 32, and any other labels that may be provided on slide 20 and sheet 14 as described above. In some embodiments, the ink is applied to a sample side of the slide and the label is applied from the non-sample side, marked in reverse. In other embodiments, the ink is applied to the non-sample side of the slide and the label is applied from the sample side, marked in non-reverse.

[0074] At step 410, marked sheet 14 may go through various post-processing procedures. In some embodiments, various post-processing methods may be performed in the manufacturing process by a slide manufacturer or by the end user. For example, sheet 14 may be separated into a plurality of slides when bulk laser marking is performed. The cutting process may comprise utilize a laser, a dicing saw, a diamond tip, a knife, a glass cutter, a diamond wheel cutter, a waterjet cutter, glass cutting machines, as well as any suitable cutting process associated with the cutting devices and constituents thereof. Furthermore, post-processing may comprise cleaning sheet 14. In some embodiments, the cleaning process comprises any combination of a vacuum, glass cleaner, alcohol, ethanol, acetone, cleaning solution, soaps, and ethyl alcohol, as well as any suitable cleaning process and constituents thereof. Furthermore, sheet 14 may be treated in a bath of various chemicals for treatment and/or may be covered with a coating to increase durability and reduce degradation over time.

[0075] FIG. 5 depicts one example of a hardware platform representative of an embodiment of hardware system 500. Computer 502 can be any form factor of general- or special-purpose computing device. Depicted with computer 502 are several components, for illustrative purposes. In some embodiments, certain components may be arranged differently or absent. Additional components may also be present. Included in computer 502 is system bus 504, whereby other components of computer 502 can communicate with each other. In certain embodiments, there may be multiple buses or components may communicate with each other directly. Connected to system bus 504 is central processing unit (CPU) 506. Also attached to system bus 504 are one or more random-access memory (RAM) modules 508. Also attached to system bus 504 is graphics card 510. In some embodiments, graphics card 510 may not be a physically separate card but rather may be integrated into the motherboard or the CPU 506. In some embodiments, graphics card 510 has a separate graphics processing unit (GPU) 512, which can be used for graphics processing or for general-purpose computing (GPGPU). Also on graphics card 510 is GPU memory 514. Connected (directly or indirectly) to graphics card 510 is display 516 for user interaction. In some embodiments, no display is present, while in others, it is integrated into computer 502. Similarly, peripherals such as keyboard 518 and mouse 520 are connected to system bus 504. Like display 516, these peripherals may be integrated into computer 502 or absent and may be provided as inputs by display 516. Also connected to system bus 504 is local storage 522, which may be any form of computer-readable media and may be internally installed in computer 502 or externally and removably attached.

[0076] Computer-readable media include both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and nonremovable media, and contemplate media readable by a database. For example, computer-readable media include (but are not limited to) RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile discs (DVD), holographic media or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, and other magnetic storage devices. These technologies can store non-transitory data temporarily or permanently. However, unless explicitly specified otherwise, the term “computer-readable media” should not be construed to include physical, but transitory, forms of signal transmission such as radio broadcasts, electrical signals through a wire, or light pulses through a fiber-optic cable. Examples of stored information include computer-useable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data representations. In particular, computer-readable media includes non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to carry out operations. [0077] Finally, network interface card (NIC) 524 is also attached to system bus 504 and allows computer 502 to communicate over a network such as local network 526. NIC 524 can be any form of network interface known in the art, such as Ethernet, ATM, fiber, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi (i.e., the IEEE 802.11 family of standards). NIC 524 connects computer 502 to local network 526, which may also include one or more other computers, such as computer 528, and network storage, such as data store 530. Generally, a data store such as data store 530 may be any repository from which information can be stored and retrieved as needed. Examples of data stores include relational or object-oriented databases, spreadsheets, file systems, flat files, directory services such as LDAP and Active Directory, or email storage systems. A data store may be accessible via a complex API (such as, for example, Structured Query Language), a simple API providing only read, write, and seek operations, or any level of complexity in between. Some data stores may additionally provide management functions for data sets stored therein, such as backup or versioning. Data stores can be local to a single computer, such as computer 528, accessible on a local network, such as local network 526, or remotely accessible over Internet 532. Local network 526 is, in turn, connected to Internet 532, which connects many networks such as local network 526, remote network 534, or directly attached computers such as computer 536. In some embodiments, computer 502 can itself be directly connected to Internet 532.

[0078] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is noted that equivalents may be employed, and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as recited in the claims.

[0079] Having thus described various embodiments of the present disclosure, what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includes the following:

Claims

1 . A method of labeling a microscope slide sheet, the method comprising: applying a laser-markable ink to a first surface of the microscope slide sheet; and applying a laser beam to a second surface of the microscope slide sheet opposite the first surface to expose a patterned portion of the laser-markable ink on the first surface of the microscope slide sheet to the laser beam passing through the microscope slide sheet from the second surface to the first surface, thereby initiating a chemical reaction in the laser-markable ink to cause a change in color in the patterned portion of the laser-markable ink to mark the microscope slide sheet without etching the microscope slide sheet.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: selecting a value for a parameter for the laser beam, wherein the parameter is selected from a set consisting of a wavelength, an energy density, a laser speed, a power, a frequency, a pulse length, a spot size, and a spot shape.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the laser-markable ink is applied in a thickness range of 5 micrometers to 100 micrometers.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein particles released by the chemical reaction are captured between the first surface of the microscope slide sheet and unreacted laser-markable ink.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the chemical reaction results in carbonization of the laser-markable ink.

6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: labeling a first portion of the microscope slide sheet with the laser-markable ink by the laser beam on the first surface without etching the first surface, wherein the first portion is opposite a second portion of the second surface configured to receive a sample for analysis.

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: marking a first portion of the laser-markable ink before receiving a sample; and marking a second portion of the laser-markable ink after receiving the sample.

8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising cutting the microscope slide sheet into a plurality of microscope slides.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the microscope slide sheet consists of a single microscope slide.

10. A method of labeling a microscope slide, the method comprising: providing the microscope slide comprising a laser-markable ink on a first surface of the microscope slide; and applying a laser beam to a second surface of the microscope slide opposite the first surface to expose a patterned portion of the laser-markable ink on the first surface of the microscope slide to the laser beam passing through the microscope slide from the second surface to the first surface, thereby initiating a carbonization reaction in the laser-markable ink to cause a change in color in the patterned portion of the laser-markable ink to mark the microscope slide without etching the microscope slide.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the patterned portion of the laser-markable ink subjected to the carbonization reaction is a first layer of the laser-markable ink, wherein the first layer is sealed between the first surface and a second layer of the laser-markable ink not subjected to the carbonization reaction.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the patterned portion of the laser-markable ink subjected to the carbonization reaction is a first layer of the laser-markable ink, wherein the first layer is sealed between the first surface and an auxiliary sheet disposed on the first surface.

13. The method of claim 10: wherein the microscope slide comprises an epoxy sealant layer applied to the first surface over the laser-markable ink, wherein the patterned portion of the laser-markable ink subjected to the carbonization reaction is a first layer of the laser-markable ink, wherein the first layer is sealed between the first surface and the epoxy sealant layer.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the second surface includes an area designated to receive a sample for analysis, wherein the patterned portion of the first surface is opposite the area of the second surface designated to receive the sample for the analysis.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the laser-markable ink comprises a dye or a pigmented ink, a polymer additive, an inorganic material, and a solvent.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the patterned portion of the laser-markable ink is selected from a set consisting of a quick response code, a barcode, and a text label.

17. A method of labeling a microscope slide sheet, the method comprising: providing a microscope slide comprising a laser-markable ink on a first surface of the microscope slide sheet; and applying a laser beam to a second surface of the microscope slide sheet opposite the first surface to expose a patterned portion of the laser-markable ink on the first surface of the microscope slide sheet to the laser beam passing through the microscope slide sheet from the second surface to the first surface, thereby initiating a chemical reaction in a first layer of the laser-markable ink to cause a change in color in the patterned portion of the laser-markable ink to mark the microscope slide sheet without etching the microscope slide sheet, wherein reaction products of the chemical reaction are sealed between the first surface of the microscope slide sheet and a second layer of the laser- markable ink that is unreacted.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first surface of the microscope slide sheet includes an area designated to receive a sample for analysis.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the chemical reaction darkens the patterned portion of the laser-markable ink and wherein the patterned portion is selected from a set consisting of a quick response code, a barcode, and a marked label.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the laser-markable ink is a first laser-markable ink of a first color, wherein the microscope slide sheet further comprises a second laser-markable ink of a second color applied to at least another portion of the microscope slide sheet.