Monday, December 20, 2010

How Barcode Wristbands Work For Patients

The bar code usually functions like a key to database. When barcode is scanned, the scanner decodes the barcode symbol and notifies computer to find or update the specific record which corresponds to a particular patient. Barcode scanner is generally used with computers, and they are combined with single handheld unit. Barcode scanners are also compatible with any type of computer like PCs, laptops, tablets, and PDAs. Barcode readers will communicate with the computer using cable or wireless connection.

Barcode wristbands helps in safeguarding patient's privacy as the patient’s name does not appear anywhere on the wristband, so it cannot be recognized. There is generally no patient information encoded in the barcode, but only an ID number (serial number) is required for software application where to find the patient information.

As barcodes store more data in smaller space than is needed for the same text, barcoded wristbands can are more suitable than traditional text wristbands. Moreover, two-dimensional (2-D) barcodes can store extremely more information, which makes them to be used as portable records. It also has provision to include digital photograph of the patient to be encoded on the wristband and observed on a PC or portable computer at any time the barcode is scanned.

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