Pre-identified consumables for tissue processing and method

A uniquely identifiable consumable product for use in a histology or cellular pathology process for processing a biological sample from a source, the consumable product having a unique identifier which is not linked to the source of the sample is provided. The unique identifier is subsequentially linked to information relating to the sample to be analysed and its source by matching the unique identifier with the appropriate data via a data system such as a request form, request number, or by a data management system. The consumable product may be a sample container, histology cassette or slide. The unique identifier may be added to the consumable product during manufacture or before supply to the user. By applying a unique identifier to cassettes and other consumable products prior to use, laboratory printers for printing identification information on tissue processing cassettes and on microscope slides and the like are redundant. The unique identifier may be a 2D data matrix (QR code) or an RFID chip. The physical process of applying a unique identifier to the consumables prior to use enables the decoupling of the physical printing of the consumable from information relating to the source of the sample obviates the need for provision of a printing capability for consumables in laboratories.