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Reading between the lines: Understanding the technology behind bar coding

Pharmacy Regulation Resource, March 17, 2004

The Food and Drug Administration on February 25 issued its final rule on bar coding. Here's how a bar-code system works in the hospital setting. Check out the technology that may appear in your hospital soon.

 

·        A patient is admitted to the hospital. The patient receives a bar-coded identification bracelet. The bar code links to the patient's computerized medical record.

·        Bar-code scanners link to the hospital's electronic medical records system.

·        A caregiver scans the patient's bar-coded identification bracelet before giving out a drug. The computer then pulls up the patient's medical record.

·        The caregiver then scans the drug the pharmacy provided for the patient. The scan alerts the computer about the drug.

·        The computer compares the patient's medical record to the drug the caregiver is about to give the patient to ensure they match. If there is a problem, the computer alerts the caregiver.

 

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