Micronic, Lelystad, the Netherlands, has released0.75 mL and 1.40 mL ‘hybrid’ tubes, which are provided with white side walls that allow for four sample identification methods. The unique combination of four coding concepts on one tube enables automated and visual sample identification. The transparent part of the tube walls enables visual checking of the sample, while the four coding concepts guarantee sample traceability. First, the blank white surface of the tubes allows users to write or laser their own specific identification codes on the side. Second, the numeric human-readable code on the tube side wall permits visual sample identification. Third, handheld scanners and automated systems can read the one-dimensional barcode on the side of the tube. And fourth, the two-dimensional data matrix on the bottom of the tube makes it possible to read a full rack of tubes at once. For more information, visit Micronic.