ISBT 128
INBC implemented a significant change in how blood products are labeled! As of January 01, 2008, all blood products collected, prepared and distributed by INBC are labeled with ISBT 128. This important change will benefit hospitals, physicians and most importantly, the patient.
Why Change?
Currently most blood products are labeled with the Codabar system. This system has been shown to have significant limitations in meeting the ever increasing needs of transfusion medicine. In 1994, the International Society for Blood Transfusion (ISBT) formed a work group tasked with creating a barcode labeling standard to be used world wide for transfusion medicine. The work group developed the labeling standard using Code 128 barcode symbology, which is why the new system is now known as ISBT 128. Code 128 barcode symbology increases the ability to scan a barcode accurately and allows more information to be coded in a small space. A check digit is incorporated into the barcode providing a quality assurance mechanism to prevent barcode misreads. These barcode symbology characteristics were specifically selected for the transfusion medicine labeling system.
The Advantages of ISBT 128
The new labeling system is designed for international application and incorporates the benefits of Code 128:
- A donation numbering scheme ensures globally unique identification which effectively supports centralized blood product activities (testing, shipping, etc.)
- The labeling structure and data is maintained using a centralized internationally approved reference source.
- Standardized data structures code critical information on the product label.
- A standard layout for the blood product label is defined and must be followed. Information is recorded in the same spot on every unit.
- ISBT 128 complies with new FDA drug regulations for barcodes and labeling of blood components effective April 26, 2006.
- Most importantly, ISBT 128 enhances patient safety!
INBC’s implementation of ISBT 128
The ISBT 128 project started at INBC in August 2006. INBC worked closely with each of our hospital customers through an Advisory Group that focused on implementation issues specific to the hospital environment. Records, equipment, process changes and training were some of the topics addressed in this group.
Part of the ISBT 128 implementation plan included designing “transitional” labels to be used when Codabar labeled blood products are available. Transitional labels are a hybrid of ISBT 128 and Codabar designed to meet labeling requirements defined by various regulatory agencies. As INBC’s inventory of Codabar labeled blood products are used, the frequency of using transitional labels will decrease. However, until all blood collection facilities in the US are converted to ISBT-128, transitional labels will be used. Review the design templates (PDF) for each of the transitional labels for more information.
Find out more about this exciting change from the ISBT 128 Starter Packet (PDF). The Starter packet was one of the tools used in our implementation. It includes ISBT 128 basic information, references to other helpful websites and much, much more!
