Every year, The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Programs (RCPAQAP), undertakes a major annual label update across its extensive portfolio of pathology quality assurance programs.
With 94 individual variants, changing artwork, unique program information, barcodes, multiple approvals and a fixed delivery deadline, there are a lot of moving parts to coordinate. For RCPAQAP, the annual update traditionally demanded significant time and effort. Cohesion's role was to remove that complexity.
"Within three days we had all of our chemical pathology program sorted, which usually, that's the mountain to climb for us." — Liam, RCPAQAP.
The Background
RCPAQAP prepares and distributes proficiency testing materials to medical laboratories. External quality assessment (EQA) and proficiency testing allow laboratories to benchmark against peers and identify issues that internal quality control may not detect. These programs support diagnostic accuracy, accreditation requirements, and confidence in pathology results.
The Challenge
Each label contains critical information — unique identifiers, survey information, handling instructions, and program codes — to ensure full sample traceability and compliance. Labels may also identify the samples biological origin.
"We use shipping labels on the outside of our boxes, and program ID labels as a wrapping for each sample box so the customer can open it up and see 'this is my Serum Chemistry Program' for example" — Liam, RCPAQAP.
Program codes are often scanned directly into laboratory systems, reducing manual data entry and allowing laboratories to trace which sample lot was tested, when it was distributed, and which program it belongs to.
Our Approach
Rather than leaving RCPAQAP to coordinate dozens of individual artwork changes and supply production-ready files, Cohesion managed the process from the outset.
RCPAQAP simply identified the changes required for the new program year. Our artwork team then applied those changes across all 94 label variants, tracked revisions and approvals, and checked every file before moving the project into production.
From there, Cohesion managed the entire production process, ensuring all 94 variants were quality checked, organised and delivered ready for RCPAQAP's annual distribution program.
"It's been remarkably easy to say 'here are the sample labels we had last year, there are no significant changes beyond updating the years' and then leaving that for Cohesion's art team to update. This years felt the most handled, and resolved the quickest as well." — Liam, RCPAQAP.
The Outcome
For RCPAQAP, the biggest outcome wasn't simply producing 15,000 labels across 94 unique variants. It was removing the complexity and stress that came with managing them.
"What makes me inclined to keep coming back [to Cohesion] is the communication level... you guys are like partner suppliers. The level of customer service you guys are providing is fantastic! It's very easy to have a conversation." — Liam, RCPAQAP.
By managing the artwork updates, approvals, quality checks and production, Cohesion turned a significant annual project into a straightforward process.
"Initially labels were the thing that stresses me out, not anymore. I'm not stressed out at all about doing a label order with you guys ever again." — Liam, RCPAQAP.
Every variant was delivered on schedule, giving RCPAQAP confidence that their labels were taken care of. That's what we mean by Making Labels Easy.
To find out more about how Cohesion Labels can support your team, give us a call 1300 431 434, or send us an email at sales@cohesionlabels.com.au. We're looking forward to speaking with you!
Cohesion Labels is an Australian label manufacturer with a passion for Making Labels Easy. We believe it should be easier for Aussie businesses to do business, and to do our part we've set up our entire operation to make labels easy. By de-risking the process and guaranteeing you get the product you want when you need it, we're the strongest link in your supply chain.
Get in touch with us for a quote - we'd love to see how we could make labelling easy for you!