ISBT 128

ISBT 128 is the proprietary data encoding system that is published and maintained by the International Council for Commonality in Blood Bank Automation (ICCBBA).

With ISBT 128, data is encoded by using a Code 128 symbol and/or a Data Matrix symbol. No modifications to these symbologies are necessary.

The components of the ISBT 128 code are as follows:

• Thirteen-character Donation Identification Number (DIN), which includes information about country of origin, collection facility, year of donation, and serial number. This component also uses a check digit, two flag characters, and a hidden data identifier to indicate the type of barcode that is being scanned.

• Eight-character product code plus hidden data identifier.

• Four-character blood group code plus hidden data identifier.

• Ten-character expiration date/time code plus hidden data identifier.

• Five-character special testing code plus hidden data identifier.

Code 128 is defined in ISO/IEC 15417 Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Code 128 bar code symbology specification.

Data Matrix is defined in ISO/IEC 16022 Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Data Matrix bar code symbology specification).

The ISBT 128 implementation is defined in ICCBBA ST-001 ISBT 128 Standard - Technical Specification.