Health Department

 

NHS HDL(2000)04

Dear Colleague

NEW BLOOD COMPONENT LABELLING SYSTEM -
ISBT CODE 128

Summary

1. The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) will co-ordinate the introduction of a new blood donation numbering system (ISBT Code 128) which will ensure all blood components have a unique identification number. The change will also facilitate and increase the security of sharing blood components with other UK Blood Services in times of shortage or emergency.

2. All NHS Trusts in Scotland should be ready to use ISBT Code 128 blood component labelling system by 31 March 2001.

3. ISBT Code 128 is being introduced world-wide and Blood Bank computer software suppliers will cease to support the current system.

Action

4. Chief Executives of NHS Trusts are asked to ensure delivery of this key project within their Trust and to note that the planned go-live date of 31 March 2001 is crucial.

5. Some suppliers of hospital blood bank software may make the necessary changes free of charge as part of their normal software upgrade arrangements. To ensure a safe changeover NHS Trusts should, however, make appropriate arrangements for staff training, implementation planning and, if necessary, the purchase of new barcode scanners and stationery.

6. NHS Trusts are asked to seek guidance and support from SNBTS who will co-ordinate the implementation process (see side panel for contact details). SNBTS will also produce a validation pack to ensure readiness can be confirmed prior to the go-live date.

25th August 2000
______________________________

Addressees

For action

Chief Executives, NHS Trusts
National Director, SNBTS

For information

Chief Executives, Health Boards
Chief Executive, Common Services Agency
General Manager, Health Education Board for Scotland
Executive Director, SCPMDE
_________________________

For further copies of this HDL please
contact:

Mr David Bell
Planning and Performance Management Directorate
2(E) North, St Andrew's House
EDINBURGH
EHI 3DG
Tel: 0131 244 2433
Fax: 0131 244 2051
E-mail: david.bell@scotland.gov.uk
______________________

Enquiries to:

The Helpdesk
National Information Systems Directorate
SNBTS
21 Ellen's Glen Road
EDINBURGH EH17 7QT

Tel: 0131-536 5777
E-mail: isbthelp@snbts.csa.scot.nhs.uk

Background

7. The changeover is necessary because the current CODABAR system, which is being used well beyond its original design goals, does not have the capacity to ensure each donation collected has a unique number and it lacks the inherent security that new bar-coding systems provide.

8. Under ISBT Code 128 each donation has a unique identifier and the barcode has internal checks. Both of these features contribute to improved safety for patients.

9. The ISBT 128 coding system covers all blood transfusion related barcodes. In the UK the system will be implemented in two phases:

  •    In phase 1, which will go live on 31 March 2001, donation numbers and blood group will be converted to ISBT Code 128 format.

  •    In phase 2, implementation of which is not anticipated before December 2002, all other barcode information will be converted to ISBT Code 128 format. Specifications and implementation proposals for phase 2 are presently being developed.

10. To ensure uniqueness of blood donation numbers, the number of characters in ISBT Code 128 has been increased from 8 to 14. This means that record-keeping at ward level will require particular attention. Appropriate training, communication and support will be important, to ensure that the necessary procedural changes are effectively delivered. SNBTS will be exploring ways in which record keeping might be facilitated and improved.


Yours sincerely

 

 

GERRY MARR
Director Planning and Performance Management