SOMARK Innovations, Inc., a company specializing in advanced lab-animal identification systems, is accepting pre-orders for their Labstamp, a machine that applies automated tail tattoos to mice for laboratory identification. The Labstamp applies permanent, alpha-numeric IDs in 30 seconds.

“With Labstamp, we’ve developed an alternative to ear tags, ear punches/notches or hand tattoos,” said Mark C. Pydynowski, SOMARK president. “You can learn to use the machine in 10 minutes, creating IDs that are reliable and permanent.”

Labstamp consists of an applicator machine and a modular restraint cartridge, which uses non-invasive grippers to immobilize the tail. The user restrains the mouse, adds a disposable ink slide, applies tail oil, slides the restraint cartridge into the applicator machine, enters the ID and presses start.

“Labstamp takes the human variable out of the mouse ID process,” says Ramos Mays, SOMARK chief science officer. “That means users can create consistent, reliable IDs, and it also means that the process is safer for animals.”

Labstamp is scheduled for release for commercial use in late 2010.