BAR CODE IDSOLUTIONS REFERENCE GUIDE

Solutions you can identify with.™

Table of Contents

IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn

Revised Hospital Medical Error Death Rates: HealthGrades, Inc. 1

Regulatory Influences: HIPAA, FDA & JCAHO 2

Positive Patient ID at Point-of-Care & PDC's Role 3

A Glimpse at RFID 3

II.. PPDDCC BBaarr CCooddee IIDD SSoolluuttiioonn OOppttiioonnss

TThheerrmmaall PPrriinnttiinngg WWrriissttbbaanndd SSoolluuttiioonnss 4

Direct Thermal Printing Wristbands 5

Thermal Transfer Printing Wristbands 5

AAddhheessiivvee LLaabbeell WWrriissttbbaanndd SSoolluuttiioonnss 6

All-in-One Wristband System with Labels and Clear Adhesive Shield

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Adhesive Labels Directly Applied to Wristband(no Covering)

7

Labels Inserted Inside Clear Protective Pocket 7

LLaasseerr PPrriinnttiinngg WWrriissttbbaanndd && LLaabbeell SSoolluuttiioonnss 8

IIII.. PPrriinntteerr ttoo PPDDCC BBaarr CCooddee PPrroodduuccttss RReeffeerreennccee GGuuiiddee 9

IIIIII.. PPDDCC BBaarr CCooddee PPrroodduuccttss ttoo PPrriinntteerr RReeffeerreennccee GGuuiiddee 10

IIVV.. GGlloossssaarryy ooff BBaarr CCooddee SSyymmbboollooggiieess && TTeerrmmss 11

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In late July 2004, a shocking report hit the healthcare news wires that 195,000 deaths in the U.S.could be attributed to hospital errors. This number nearly doubles the Institute of Medicine's(IOM) 1999 study that claimed 98,000 people a year die from what it characterized as preventablemedical errors.

HealtGrades, Inc. a Lakewood, CO based company took into account the Medicare records of 50states and Washington DC over a three year period from 2000 through 2002. Out of 37 millionhospitalizations tracked, there were 1.14 million "patient-safety incidents" reported, and "of thetotal 323,993 deaths among Medicare patients in those years that developed one or morepatient-safety incidents, 293,864, or 81% of these deaths were directly attributable to theincidents." Thus, between 2000 and the end of 2002, 1 out of 4 Medicare patients died of apatient-safety related incident. See: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5536730/

In an effort to reduce costly medical errors and increase patient safety, more and more hospitalsand health systems have begun to initiate positive patient identification (PPI) strategies whichinclude Bar Code-Enabled Point-of-Care technology (BPOC). BPOC systems, when augmentedwith sophisticated computer logic, can protect patients from prescription, transcription anddispensing errors. This technology allows for real time confirmation of patient identification,medication, dose, time and route of administration.

HIMSS (Healthcare Information & Management Systems Society) in its 15th Annual LeadershipSurvey sponsored by Superior Consultant Company and released in June, 2004, reported costpressures and patient safety issues were the top two business challenges that will have thegreatest impact on healthcare over the next two years. It was also reported that the top ITpriorities in terms of automated clinical applications were: #1: Electronic Medical Records(EMR); #2: Computer-based Practitioner/Physician Order Entry (CPOE) and # 3: ClinicalInformation Systems.

As for which healthcare technologies will have the greatest focus over the next two years: high-speed networks, data security, and bar coding garnered the most survey votes from informationtechnology (IT) executives at healthcare provider institutions and vendor organizations acrossthe U.S. The rise of bar coding in importance, as compared to 2003 HIMSS survey results, canprobably be attributed to increased industry awareness of the role that bar code technology canplay in helping to reduce misidentification errors that ultimately will lower the number of patient-safety-related or Sentinel Events. See: www.himss.org/2004Survey/docs/vendor_CEO_final_report.pdf

IntroductionRevised Hospital Medical Error Death Rates: HealthGrades, Inc.

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Regulatory Influences: HIPAA, FDA & JCAHO

The Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was the kick startfor healthcare institutions to seriously consider bar coding as a means of safeguarding the waythey transmit, store, and access protected health information. HIPAA regulations state that acommon set of codes must be adopted by healthcare facilities that encompass all medicalprocedures as part of an electronic exchange of information to increase efficiency and reducemedical errors.

More recently, however, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released its final ruling inFebruary 2004 requiring a linear bar code (that conforms to Unified Code Council "UCC"specifications) be on many over-the counter and prescription drugs, vaccines, and bloodproducts administered in healthcare settings to help improve patient safety at point-of-care. TheJoint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) also views correctspecimen labeling and accurate patient ID as cornerstones of their Patient Safety Standards &Guidelines:

■ Use at least two patient identifiers (not including the room #) whenever taking bloodsamples or administering medication or blood products.

■ Prior to surgical or invasive procedures, conduct a final verification process.

Positive Patient ID at Point-of-Care & PDC’s Role

The reduction of medication errors at point-of-care is the primary goal of many healthcareinstitutions that have opted to automate their medication administration processes: e-MAR(electronic medication administration). Nearly one third of the medication administration errorsthat have been cited as the cause of ADE (Adverse Drug Events) occur at bedside and only 2%are caught. Clinical research released in September of 2002 concluded that "healthcare facilitiesare experiencing as many as 1 error per every 5 administered," leaving a huge gap in acceptablepatient safety standards. See: www.bridgemedical.com/pdf/whitepaper_barcode.pdf

To ensure positive patient identification, successful bar code implementation integrates theresponsibilities of healthcare professionals in Admissions, Pharmacy, Laboratory, Blood Bank,Emergency and other patient care departments. Healthcare personnel in Patient Safety, QualityControl, Risk Management, and Information Technology are also involved in the developmentand implementation of Bar Code Point-of-Care (BPOC) systems. To that end, Precision Dynamicshas committed to a Bar Code Solutions team approach that offers a total solution option tohealthcare providers that is customized to meet institution-specific needs in hardware: (printers& scanners), media (wristbands & labels) as well as connectivity-based software (middleware orfirmware) when deemed necessary by certain HIS/LIS (Hospital Information System/LaboratoryInformation System) protocols.

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Through the entire patient point-of-care process, the ultimate goal is to provide qualityhealthcare to each patient and to ensure the accurate administration of the five rights: RightPatient, Right Drug, Right Dose, Right Time and Right Route of Administration.

This reference guide is for all healthcare managers and practioners who are evaluating barcode wristband or bar code label systems to ensure positive patient identification in their facility.We hope this information will assist you in selecting the best solution to meet your needs.

Inside you will find a summary of Precision Dynamics' portfolio of bar code solution optionsincluding the advantages and disadvantages of each. The three areas of focus will be:

■ Thermal Printing Wristband Solutions■ Adhesive Label Wristband Solutions■ Laser Printing Wristband & Label Solutions

Regardless of which option you select, we at Precision Dynamics want to go on record to urgeyou to choose a solution which offers you optimal security with a positive tamper-evidentclosure in a wristband, along with optimal scanability and freedom from smearing, moisture orother vulnerabilities in a label. The American Hospital Association (AHA) calls for a"tamperproof, non-transferable identification band…that minimizes the possibility that identifyingdata can be lost or transferred from one patient to another." (See: the American HospitalAssociation Management Advisory: Identification of Newborns & Other Patients, 1992.) All ofPrecision Dynamics media products meet these important criteria for patient safety and have along history of successful use in the healthcare field.

AA GGlliimmppssee aatt RRFFIIDDRFID represents the next advanced step in positive patient identification after bar coding. PDCpioneered the development of the Smart Band® RFID Wristband System in 2000 and continues tolead the way in Auto ID. PDC RFID solutions ensure the integrity of information between patient,host device, and/or hospital information center. Unlike bar code, RFID’s non-line-of-site datatransmission can be read through and around the human body, clothing, bed coverings, and non-metallic materials. Furthermore, RFID wristband solutions help to ensure that the "Five Rights ofMedications Safety" are achieved, facilitating real-time confirmation of the Right Patient, Drug,Dose, Route, and Time. To learn more, visit wwwwww..ppddcc--rrffiidd..ccoomm or call 880000--884477--00667700 xx11332200 torequest a PDC RFID Healthcare Solutions brochure.

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Print bar code information directly on the wristband

GGEENNEERRAALL AADDVVAANNTTAAGGEESS::■ Most popular method of bar coding in ID bands in U.S. hospitals■ Efficient process saves time■ Durability of bands prevents folding or wrinkling of bar code (which can interfere

with scanning)■ Secure snap closure prevents tampering or removal of band■ Suitable for decentralized admissions via low-cost printers in remote locations■ Full range of wristband sizes and colors available

GGEENNEERRAALL DDIISSAADDVVAANNTTAAGGEESS■ Requires dedicated direct thermal printer■ Material may not be perceived as soft enough for infant patient identification

Thermal Printing Wristband SolutionsWWrriissttbbaannddss ffoorr DDiirreecctt TThheerrmmaall && TThheerrmmaall TTrraannssffeerr PPrriinnttiinngg

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Direct Thermal Printing WristbandsAADDVVAANNTTAAGGEESS■ Provides high quality bar code■ Lower cost because there is no printer ribbon to buy or replace■ Printing cannot smear because information is "burned" onto a protected thermal layer

DDIISSAADDVVAANNTTAAGGEESS■ Thermal surface can disintegrate when exposed to very hot temperatures (e.g.

whirlpool bath therapy)■ Thermal surface will turn dark over long period of time. Not suitable for long term

medical records, but suitable for short term applications (e.g. patient wristband wornup to 10 to 14 days)

Thermal Transfer Printing WristbandsAADDVVAANNTTAAGGEESS■ Provides high quality bar code■ Will not turn dark over time■ Suitable for both long term medical records and short term applications

DDIISSAADDVVAANNTTAAGGEESS■ More expensive---requires thermal ribbon that must be replaced■ Printed information is more susceptible to abrasion or smearing than direct thermal

printing (premium resin ribbons will provide best results)■ Disposal of used ribbons present some HIPAA security or patient privacy-related

issues if not properly destroyed

PPDDCC PPrroodduuccttss AAvvaaiillaabblleeCompuBand®

ScanBand®

(2005 PDC Healthcare Catalog,pages 4-7)

Thermal Printing Wristband SolutionsWWrriissttbbaannddss ffoorr DDiirreecctt TThheerrmmaall && TThheerrmmaall TTrraannssffeerr PPrriinnttiinngg

PPDDCC PPrroodduuccttss AAvvaaiillaabblleePrecision® CompuBand®

(2005 PDC Healthcare Catalog,page 7)

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Adhesive Labels are applied:(1) to All-in-One Wristband System with Clear Adhesive Shield (Option 1, opposite page) (2) Directly on Wristband (without Covering) (Option 2, opposite page) (3) Inside Clear Protective Pocket (Option 3, opposite page)

GGEENNEERRAALL AADDVVAANNTTAAGGEESSSSeeccuurriittyy && SSaaffeettyy■ Non-transferable, secure plastic snap provides maximum security, as opposed to

adhesive closures■ Complies with HIPAA, JCAHO, and American Hospital Association industry standards

SSccaannaabbiilliittyy && FFuunnccttiioonnaalliittyy■ Clear adhesive shield provides easy and accurate bar code scanning and optimal

protection from water, solvents, and other abrasives■ Provides carrier for capturing data for medication administration, point-of-care-testing

(POCT), transfusion verification, specimen collection/tracking, and patient charging■ Large label area accommodates both laser and thermal labels

CCoommffoorrtt && QQuuaalliittyy■ Soft, smooth, and non-abrasive to sensitive skin■ Water-resistant, durable, and strong, yet lightweight and comfortable

GGEENNEERRAALL DDIISSAADDVVAANNTTAAGGEESS■ Three step application may be considered too labor intensive, requiring more handling

than other options listed in this booklet

Adhesive Label Wristband Solutions

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OOPPTTIIOONNSS AADDVVAANNTTAAGGEESS DDIISSAADDVVAANNTTAAGGEESS PPDDCC PPRROODDUUCCTTSS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE

Adhesive LabelWristband

Option 1All-in-One Wristband

System with ClearAdhesive Shield

■ Allows you to use laser or thermal labels■ Secure snap closure prevents tampering or

removal of band■ Supports text, linear and 2D bar codes, photo

ID and graphics■ Plastic band prevents folding or wrinkling

of bar code (which can interferewith scanning)

■ Full range of wristband colors available

■ Not a one-step process■ Must center the label beneath the clear

adhesive shield to ensure proper alignment

SSeennttrryy®® BBaarr CCooddeeLLaabbeellBBaanndd™™ (2005 PDC HealthcareCatalog, page 9)

Adhesive LabelWristband

Option 2Labels are Directly

Applied to Wristband(no covering)

■ Special ClearImage surface on wristbandallows for superior label adhesion

■ Durable & strong; yet lightweightand comfortable

■ Available in 3 sizes and up to 7 colors■ This option supports text, linear and 2D bar

codes, photo ID and graphics■ Secure snap closure prevents tampering or

removal of band■ Full range of wristband sizes and colors

available for color coding options

■ Exposed label may be affected by moisture andabrasion over time

■ Quality of the bar code produced by laserprinters is very dependent on the printercapabilities and the label stock used

SSeennttrryy®® DDaattaaMMaattee®® SSyysstteemm (2005 PDC Healthcare Catalog,page 10)

Adhesive LabelWristband

Option 3Labels are Inserted

inside Clear ProtectivePocket

■ Allows you to continue using current insertstyle wristbands

■ Allows you to continue using current barcode labels

■ Bar code can be scanned through the clearinsert pocket

■ Insert pocket protects the bar code frommoisture and tearing

■ Plastic band prevents folding or wrinkling ofbar code (which can interfere with scanning)

■ Secure snap closure prevents tampering orremoval of band

■ Full range of wristband sizes and colorsavailable for color coding options

■ Requires more handling than other optionslisted in this booklet

■ Clear protective pocket may not allow forconsistent scan rates

SSaaffeegguuaarrdd®® SSeeaalliiddeenntt®®,,SSeeccuurrlliinnee®®,, aanndd PPrriimmeeBBaanndd®®

(2005 PDC Healthcare Catalog,page 11)

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Print bar code wristbands and labels as part of a laser printed form.

AADDVVAANNTTAAGGEESS■ Single piece construction allows you to print wristbands, forms, and labels from the

same laser printer■ Capable of full color or other images using color laser printers as well as producing a

clear, crisp bar code■ Available with pre-printed color, if desired■ Available in multiple styles & sizes■ No extra equipment (e.g. thermal printers) needed■ Integral laminate protects image

DDIISSAADDVVAANNTTAAGGEESS■ Decentralized admission via remote printers may be cost prohibitive due to the added

expense of toner cartridges■ Exposed label may be soiled by moisture and body fluids■ Entire sheet of labels must be printed. Some labels may not be used, thus increasing cost.■ The quality of laser printed bar codes is greatly dependent on the capabilities of the

printer and the label stock used

Laser Printing Wristband & Label Solutions:

PPDDCC PPrroodduuccttss AAvvaaiillaabblleeDataMate® LaserLabel/Wristband System (2005 PDC Healthcare Catalog,page 13)

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Printer to PDC Product Reference Guide

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PDC Product to Printer Reference Guide

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Glossary of Bar Code Symbologies & Terms

CChhaarraacctteerr sseett What characters can be represented by the symbology.

CChheecckk DDiiggiitt This is the last character before the stop character and is calculatedby a formula based on the rest of the data. It is part of somesymbologies and is added to others to increase the security rate.

CCoonnttiinnuuoouuss bbaarr ccooddee

If barcode characters contain a space at the end of each characteras part of it.

DDeennssiittyy Number of Data Characters per unit of length, usually inches.

DDiissccrreettee bbaarr ccooddee If the spaces between characters are not part of each character.

EElleemmeenntt wwiiddtthhss Number of different width elements in the bar code, two width ormultiple width.

FFiixxeedd lleennggtthh Bar code must have this many characters.

OOnnee ddiimmeennssiioonnaall bbaarr ccooddee

Symbology that can be read by drawing a straight line through anypart of the bar code is one dimensional.

MMoodduullee wwiiddtthh Width of the narrowest element.

NNoommiinnaall wwiiddtthh Width of the narrowest element.

QQuuiieett ZZoonnee This is the area to left and right of the bar code. It is required on all barcodes, otherwise any graphics, type or the edges of the item will beinterpreted as a bar. For two dimensional bar codes it is all four sides.

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AAABBCC SSyymmbbooll - The American Blood Commission (ABC) developed this symbol as a bar codestandard for automated systems in the blood service community. The particular symbology usedfor the ABC symbol is Codabar.

AABBMMAA - Auto ID Bar Code-Enabled Medication Administration System.

AAccccuurraaccyy - The determination of whether any element width or inter-character gap width (ifapplicable) differs from its nominal width by more than the printing tolerance.

AADDCC - Automated Data Collection or Automated Data Capture - refers to all technologies thatautomate the process of data collection without the use of a keyboard, including bar code,magnetic stripe, (OCR) optical card reader, voice recognition, smart card or (RFID) radiofrequency identification. ADC provides a quick, accurate and cost effective way to collect andenter data.

AAddhheessiivvee - 1) A substance (cement, glue, gum) capable of holding materials together by surfacecontact. 2) The portion of a pressure sensitive label which allows the label to cling to itsintended surface.

AAIIAAGG - Automotive Industry Action Group - a trade association responsible for creatingautomotive industry standards pertaining to bar code symbology and common label formats.

AAIIMM - Automatic Identification Manufacturers, Inc. - a U.S. trade association headquartered inPittsburgh, PA who represent the manufacturers of automatic identification systems. AIMInternational (AIMI) is a global affiliation of trade associations whose member companies areinvolved with application of automatic identification technology. For more information accesshttp://www.aimi.org.

AAlliiggnnmmeenntt - In an automatic identification system (Auto ID), the relative position and orientationof a scanner to the symbol.

AAllpphhaannuummeerriicc - A character set consisting of letters, numbers and usually other character suchas special symbols.

AANNSSII - American National Standards Institute - a non-governmental organization responsible for

Bar Code Terms

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the development of voluntary bar code, quality standards. Bar code printing standards and thereadability of bar code symbols are determined and classified into grades from A to F, in order toprovide an overall symbol quality test. http://www.ansi.org/.

AAppeerrttuurree - The opening on an optical system (scanner) that establishes the field of view.

AApppplliiccaattiioonn -The particular use the label, tag or ticket will serve once the barcode, text, orgraphic image is applied.

AApppplliiccaattiioonnTTeemmppeerraattuurree - The temperature at the time the label is applied.

AAssppeecctt RRaattiioo - The numeric ratio of the bar's height to the symbol's length

BBBaacckkccooaattiinngg - Used on a thermal transfer ribbon to prevent the ribbon from sticking to the printhead and to the substrate (media/label material). It also protects the printhead from excessiveheat, static, and abrasion.

BBaacckkggrroouunndd - The spaces, quiet zones, and areas surrounding a printed symbol.

BBaarr - The darker element of a printed bar code symbol.

BBaarr CCooddee - A bar code is a piece of Automatic Identification Technology (Auto ID) that storesreal time data. It is a series of vertical bars or a graphical bar pattern which can, (depending onthe width and pattern) encode numbers and letters in a format which can easily be retrieved andinterpreted by a bar code reader.

BBaarr ccooddee CChhaarraacctteerr - A single group of bars and stripes that represents a specific quantity (oftenone) of numbers, letters, punctuation marks, or other symbols. This is the smallest subset of abar code symbol that contains data.

BBaarr CCooddee DDeennssiittyy - The number of characters that can be represented in a linear unit ofmeasure. This number is often expressed in characters per inch or cpi.

Technology PrintQuality

ScannerReadability

Initial Installation Cost

Long Term Maintenance

MaterialWaste

Dot Matrix Fair Low Low/Moderate Moderate/High HighInk Jet Moderate Low/Moderate High Moderate/High HighLaser Moderate Moderate Moderate/High Moderate/High HighDirectThermal

Moderate/

Excellent

Moderate/

Excellent

Moderate/High Low Low

ThermalTransfer

Excellent Excellent Moderate/High Low Low

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BBaarr HHeeiigghhtt //LLeennggtthh - The bar dimension perpendicular to the bar width is also called bar height.Scanning is performed in an axis perpendicular to the bar length.

BBaarr WWiiddtthh - The thickness of a bar measured from the edge closest to the symbol startcharacter to the trailing edge of the same bar.

BBeeaarreerr BBaarrss - A minimum of two parallel bars running the length of the top and bottom edge of abar code. Bearer bars, if used, reduce the probability of a misread when a skewed scanningbeam enters and/or leaves the symbol through the top or bottom.

BBii--DDiirreeccttiioonnaall - Bar code symbology capable of being read successfully independent ofscanning direction.

BBiinnaarryy - A numbering system that uses only 1's and 0's.

BBiitt - An abbreviation for binary digit. A single element (0 or 1) in a binary number.

BBiittmmaappppeedd FFoonntt - Refers to the inherent character and font sets found within a thermal printerand their respective ability to be adjusted and "shrunk to fit". Bitmapped fonts are commonlyavailable in limited point sizes - ex - 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 18 point - whose edges can becomedistorted or rough with manipulation outside the prescribed point size ranges

BBPPOOCCTT-Bar Code Enabled Point-of-Care Testing

CCChhaarraacctteerr - (1) A single group of bars and spaces that represents a specific number (usuallyone) of numbers, letters, punctuation marks, or other symbols. (2) A graphic shape representinga letter, numeral, or symbol. (3) A letter, digit, or other symbol that is used as part of theorganization, control, or representation of data.

CChhaarraacctteerr AAlliiggnnmmeenntt - The vertical or horizontal position of characters with respect to a givenset of reference lines.

CChhaarraacctteerr DDeennssiittyy - Within a linear bar code symbol, the number of data characters per unitlength (typically per inch). For a discrete symbology, the character width must include theintercharacter gap.

CChhaarraacctteerr FFoonntt - Refers to the range and variety of data characters available within a giventhermal printer model - Ex - 7 Bitmapped fonts type A,B,C,D,E,F and 1 Scaleable font.CCooddee 1111 - is a barcode symbology developed by Intermec. It uses 11 characters: 0 through 9.

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CCooddee 112288 - is a continuous, multilevel, full ASCII code. There are three types of code 128encoding. Type A provides the character set of all upper case alphanumeric characters plus allof the ASCII control characters. Type B provides the character set of all upper and lower casealphanumeric characters. Type C provides increased density for numeric encoding with doubledensity numeric characters for all number pairs from 00 to 99.

CCooddee 1166KK - This symbol is a stack of from 2 to 16 rows.

CCooddee 3399 - is the most commonly used bar code. It can encode both numbers and letters which isideal for most industrial and non-retail applications. The Automotive industry uses Code 39 as itsstandard for shipping container labels. If you are just starting out a bar code application of yourown, we recommend using Code 39.

CCooddee 4499 - was introduced in 1987 by the Intermec Corporation as a multi-row, continuous,variable length symbology and was the first stacked (two dimensional) barcode to receivewidespread interest.

CCooddee 9933 - Code 93 is the complimentary version of Code 39 and allows labels to be approximately30 percent shorter than Code 39.

CCooddaabbaarr -- AA0011223344BB.. -- Codabar is a discrete, numeric code with special characters and fourdifferent start/stop characters. Allowable data characters are (0 - 9), special characters (- $ : / .+ ), and start-stop characters ( A, B, C, D ).

CCoolloorr SScchheemmee - Scanners read bar codes by using red light to recognize the contrast betweenthe bars and spaces of the symbol. Colors that will scan effectively need to be chosen. Blackbars against a white background are the safest choice, but other combinations will also work.Quiet Zone: The margins around the bar codes are vital; they enable the scanner to identify thebeginning and the end of the bar code.

CCoonnccaatteennaattiioonn - The ability of a reading system to join together that data from multiplesymbologies and interpret the information in a single message.

CCPPOOEE - Computerized Physician Order Entry

DDDaattaa IIddeennttiiffiieerr - A character (or set of characters) that uniquely defines the specific use of the dataencoded in the bar code symbol following the data identifier. Also known as a Flag Character. DDeeccooddeerr - An electronic device which translates the electrical signals from a scanner intocomputer compatible data. The decoder performs checks on the electronic signal to validate it,and processes the signal through a decode algorithm designed to detect errors in the signal. The

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output of the decoder may drive a keyboard input to a terminal (see Keyboard Wedge Decoder)or may interface with a communications port on a computer (see Serial Decoder).

DDeemmaanndd PPrriinntteerr - A printer capable of creating individual documents one at a time, as needed

DDoott MMaattrriixx PPrriinnttiinngg - A print technology that employs several needles which are evenly spacedacross a moveable horizontal shuttle which oscillates back and forth as the paper advances. Dotmatrix printers print a bar code by creating overlapping adjacent dots to produceapproximations of a straight edge line. Prints low to medium density bar codes that may notmeet certain end-user guidelines. The dot size on the matrix printer limits the narrow elementsize and density of the bar code. Continuous ribbon re-use on dot matrix printers requirescontinuous monitoring of ribbon condition to ensure adequate bar code contrast - Ribbon inkthat has become exhausted can produce an image that is inadequate for scanning. Ink saturatedribbon can result in paper "bleed" which can cause image distortion. Dot matrix printers aremodified line printers that are most frequently used for printing batches of large labels with lowdensity bar codes. Printing of single, individualized labels results in significant waste. The designof the matrix printer's print carriage, sitting far below the media, also does not enable one toadequately maximize one's label space.

DDoott SSiizzee ((PPrriinntteerr)) - The size of the printed dot on a substrate in a matrix or line to formcharacters. Minimum dot size is determined by the size of the thermal element of the print headbeing used by the thermal printer. Dot size determines the X dimension. The X dimension isalways a simple multiple of the dot size.

DDoott SSiizzee ((SSccaannnneerr)) - The diameter of the beam of light projected by the scanner used to read a barcode symbol. The scanner dot size should be no larger than the X dimension of the bar code symbol.

DDPPII - Dots Per Inch (refer to Resolution)

DDiirreecctt TThheerrmmaall PPrriinntt - (DT) Direct thermal printing is an old technology originally designedfor low cost copiers and fax machines. It has since been transformed into a highlysuccessful technology for bar coding. The thermal print head is typically a long lineararray of tiny resistive heating elements (100-300/inch) arranged perpendicular to thepaper flow. Each thermal print head element locally heats an area on the chemicallycoated paper directly under the print element. This induces a chemical reaction whichcauses a dot to form in that area. The image is formed by building it from dot rows asthe media passes underneath the active edge of the print head. Direct thermal printing isan excellent choice for many bar code labeling applications. DT printers providesimplicity and environmental economy (recyclable materials are also available). Directthermal printers are simple to operate compared to most other print technologies - withno ribbons or toners to replenish - label loading is a very simple procedure. Enablesbatch or single label print capability with virtually no waste.

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EEEddggee RRoouugghhnneessss - Irregularities in the printing of bar code elements, resulting in a non-uniformedge and edge errors.

EEDDPP -Electronic Data Processing - the act of processing information electronically.

EEDDII -Electronic Data Interchange - A method by which data is/are electronically transmittedfrom one point to another.

EEHHRR - Electronic Health Record

eeMMAARR - Electronic Medication Administration Record

FFFaacceessttoocckk - The part of the substrate (media) where printing occurs.

FFiirrsstt RReeaadd RRaattee ((FFRRRR)) - The ratio of the number of successful reads on the first scanning attemptto the number of attempts. Commonly expressed as a percentage.

FFiixxeedd RRaattiioo - The ratio between the width of the bars in the code is a fixed standardand cannot be changed.

HHHaanndd--HHeelldd SSccaannnneerr - A hand-held scanning device used as a contact bar code readeror OCR (optical code) reader.

HHeeaatt RReessiissttaannccee - The property of a material which inhibits the occurrence of physical orchemical changes caused by exposure to high temperatures.

HHIIBBCCCC - Abbreviation for the Health Industry Business Communications Council - a tradeassociation responsible for the symbology and label format used by the healthcare industry.

HHIIMMSSSS- HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society) is the healthcareindustry's membership organization exclusively focused on providing leadership for the optimaluse of healthcare information technology and management systems for the betterment of humanhealth. Founded in 1961 with offices in Chicago, Washington D.C., and other locations across thecountry, HIMSS represents more than 14,000 individual members and some 220 membercorporations that employ more than 1 million people. HIMSS frames and leads healthcare publicpolicy and industry practices through its advocacy, educational and professional development

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initiatives designed to promote information and management systems' contributions to ensuringquality patient care.

HHiigghh DDeennssiittyy - This bar code type has narrow spaces and bars with an "X" dimension that is lessthan 7.5 mils.

HHoorriizzoonnttaall BBaarr CCooddee - A bar code or symbol presented in such a manner that its overall lengthdimension is parallel to the horizon. The bars are presented in an array that looks like a picketfence.

HHuummaann--RReeaaddaabbllee -The interpretation of bar code data, often printed immediately below the barcode in a readable format to humans.

IIInnkk JJeett PPrriinnttiinngg - Common direct marking process and a favorite on high speed production lines.Ink droplets are selectively deflected between a moving product and an ink return channel . Inkjet printing is frequently used for coding products and cartons with human readable data and lotcodes at very high speed and for case coding of cartons with bar codes. Bar codes oncorrugated boxes are intentionally made large so that dot placement accuracy becomes lesscritical. Thus, using more ink and creating questionable print quality and usefulness for barcoding.

IInnkk LLaayyeerr - The bottom layer of a thermal transfer ribbon of a thermal ribbon which iscomposed of waxes, resins or a combination of both.

IIPPSS - Inches Per Second (refer to Print Speed)ISO (International Organization for Standardization) - is a worldwide federation of nationalstandards bodies from some 100 countries, one from each country. ISO is a non-governmentalorganization established in 1947. The mission of ISO is to promote the development ofstandardization and related activities in the world with a view to facilitating the internationalexchange of goods and services, and to developing cooperation in the spheres of intellectual,scientific, technological and economic activity. For more information access http://www.iso.ch/.

LLLaabbeell ,, PPrreessssuurree SSeennssiittiivvee - A pressure sensitive label product is a die-cut part that has beenconvertedthrough the production equipment using the type of pressure sensitive material thathasa protective backing. The end product is produced in the form of rolls, sheets, fanfold or byother techniques that produce like products which have been slit or cut from the converted roll.LLaaddddeerr CCooddee - A bar code printed in a vertical position such that the bars can be thought of as

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rungs on a ladder. Contrast with Picket Fence.

LLaaddddeerr OOrriieennttaattiioonn - A bar code symbol positioned vertically with horizontal bars and spaces.

LLaammiinnaattee - Apply one layer of material over another.

LLaasseerr SSccaannnneerr - An optical bar code reading device using a low-energy laser light beam as itssource of illumination.

LLaasseerr PPrriinnttiinngg - The laser printer works much like a photocopier projecting controlled streams ofions onto the surface of a print drum resulting in a charged image. The charged image thenselectively attracts toner particles - transferring the image onto the paper substrate (media) bymeans of pressure. The pressure from the print head and drum then fuse the image to the paper- creating the image. A laser printed label is only as durable as a photocopy of paper. Theycommonly cannot produce chemical or water resistant labels. Laser printer labeling adhesivesmust be carefully selected to ensure stability under the heat and pressure of the fuser. Laserprinters are not well suited for industrial labeling applications or individual product labelingapplications. Compatible toners for thermal printing applications are, often times, lacking. Cost oftoner is significant for barcode printing - 15-30% black for bar code print versus 5% black forword processing print - 6 x the cost for barcoding using laser when compared to direct thermalor thermal transfer!

MMMaacchhiinnee--RReeaaddaabbllee - A general term used for printed material that can be directly transferred toa data processing system.

MMaannuuffaaccttuurreerr''ss IIDD - In the UPC code, the 6-digit number applied by the UCC to uniquely identifya manufacturer or company selling products under its own name. Also, the first 6 digits of the 12-digit UPC.

MMaattrriixx SSyymmbboollss - Appear as a checker board. They are most likely square in shape, and containsome form of "finder pattern" which distinguishes them from other symbols. The finder patternprovides a decoding reference for scanners.

MMiissrreeaadd - A condition that occurs when the data output of a reader does not agree with the dataencoded in the bar code symbol.

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NNNoonn--RReeaadd - The absence of data at the scanner output after an attempted scan due to no code,defective code, scanner failure or operator error.

NNuullll MMooddeemm CCoonnnneeccttoorr - A device which connects to the serial output of a print cable andswitches pins 2 and 3, transmitted data signal and received data signal.

NNuummeerriicc - A character set that includes only numbers.

OOOppeerraattiinngg TTeemmppeerraattuurree - denotes the prescribed temperature range for the safe operation of athermal printer.

OOrriieennttaattiioonn - The alignment of a bar code symbol with respect to horizontal. Two possibleorientations are horizontal and vertical bars and spaces (picket fence formation) and verticalwith horizontal bars and stripes (ladder formation).

OOvveerrhheeaadd - The fixed number of characters required for start, stop, and checking in a given barcode symbol, e.g. a symbol requiring a start and stop character and two check characterscontains four characters of overhead. To encode three characters with the overhead listed,seven characters are required to print.

PPPaarraalllleell IInntteerrffaaccee - a link between data processing devices on which the data moves overmultiple wires and more quickly than serial interface. Imagine transmitting all 8 letters in a wordat the same time over each wire. In parallel interface, the 8 bits (a byte) are received and thenprocessed simultaneously.

PPDDFF--441177 - A popular two-dimensional bar code that allows thousands of characters to be storedin its data format of multi-stacks. Some states use this type of bar code for driver's licenseinformation. Healthcare facilities may also use the PDF417 for patient records because of theamount of data it can store.

PPiicckkeett FFeennccee OOrriieennttaattiioonn - A bar code symbol positioned horizontally with vertical bars and spaces.

PPIISS - Pharmacy Information System

PPiittcchh - refers to the rotation of a bar code symbol about an axis parallel to the direction of the bars.

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PPoollyyeetthhyylleennee -A tough, sturdy plastic film having very good, low temperature Characteristics.

PPoollyypprrooppyylleennee - Similar to polyethylene but stronger and having a higher temperature Resistance.

PPrreessssuurree SSeennssiittiivvee LLaabbeell - A pressure sensitive label product is a die-cut part that has been convertedthrough the production equipment using the type of pressure sensitive material that hasa protective backing. The end product is produced in the form of rolls, sheets, fanfoldor by other techniques that produce like products which have been slit or cut from theconverted roll.

PPrriinntt MMeetthhoodd - denotes the print technology used to print a label - commonly direct thermal orthermal transfer variety.

PPrriinntt QQuuaalliittyy - The measure of compliance of a bar code symbol to the requirements ofdimensional tolerance, edge roughness, spots, voids, reflectance, PCS, quiet zone, andencodation.

PPrriinntt SSppeeeedd - the speed at which the label moves through the print head measured in inches persecond (ips)

QQQuuaalliittyy CCoonnttrrooll - Applications that use automatic identification to make sure the right material isin stock so it can be delivered for the right cost to the right user at the right time.

RRRAAMM --RRaannddoomm AAcccceessss MMeemmoorry - A machine's main working memory. Program instructions anddata are stored here. Each location in memory has a unique address, so the computer canaccess the information in any location at any time it's required (i.e. "randomly"). RAM can beerased, written to, read from, and rewritten. It is erased when a computing device is turned off.

RReessoolluuttiioonn - The narrowest element dimension that can be distinguished by a particular readingdevice or printed with a particular device or method. Generally the higher the resolution thebetter the resultant print quality.

RReelleeaassee LLiinneerr ((BBaacckkiinngg)) - The portion of the pressure sensitive label which supports and holdsthe facestock and adhesive until application to the intended surface is needed.

RReessoolluuttiioonn - The narrowest element dimension that can be distinguished by a particular readingdevice or printed with a particular device or method. Measured in Dots Per Inch (dpi).

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RRiibbbboonn - A cloth or plastic tape coated with several layers of material, one of which is ink-like,that produces the visible marks on the substrate. Used on formed font impact, dot matrix,thermal transfer and hot stamp printers. Also called foil.

SSSccaalleeaabbllee FFoonnttss - refers to the inherent character and font sets found within a thermal printer andtheir respective ability to be adjusted and "shrunk to fit". Scaleable fonts are also commonly referredto as smooth fonts as their point sizes can be adjusted to any desired custom size evenly andproportionally, without the advent of visible roughedges.

SSccaannnneerr - A device used to read a bar code symbol. It optically converts optical information intoelectrical signals.

SSeerriiaall IInntteerrffaaccee - a link between data processing devices on which all the data moves over onewire, one bit at a time. Think of it as transmitting words one letter at a time until a total of 8letters or bytes (8 bits) are received. The byte is then processed, but in a slower fashion thanparallel. Common serial interface communications are RS232 C, RS422 and RS485 (9 or 25 Pin).

SShheellff LLiiffee -The period of time during which a product can be stored under specified conditionsand still remain suitable for use.

SSkkeeww - Rotation of a bar code symbol about an axis parallel to the symbol's length.

SSppeeeedd // TThhrroouugghhppuutt - used interchangeably to refer to a rate of motion or printer performancecalculated in ips or inches per second. The higher the ips the greater the printers performance rating.

SSttaarrtt CChhaarraacctteerr - A unique character to the left of the bar code which allows for bi-directionality.(In a vertical bar code, the start character is at the top).

SSttoopp CChhaarraacctteerr - A unique character to the right of the bar code which allows for bi-directionality. (In a vertical label, the stop character is at the bottom).

SSuubbssttrraattee - The surface on which a bar code symbol is printed. Also, interchangeably referred toas media.

SSyymmbboollooggyy - The language used in bar code technology (e.g. UPC, Code 39, etc). STAC (SymbolTechnical Advisory Committee) to the Uniform Code Council Inc., (see UCC).

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TTTaammppeerrpprrooooff LLaabbeell - A pressure-sensitive material that cannot be removed intact, thus makingreuse of the label impossible.

TThheerrmmaall TTrraannssffeerrPrint - Thermal transfer printers use the same basic technology as direct thermal printers, butwith the elimination of chemically-coated media in favor of a non-sensitized face stock and aspecial inked ribbon. A durable polyester ribbon film coated with a dry thermal transfer ink isplaced between the thermal printhead and label. The thermal print head is used to melt the inkonto the label surface, where it cools and anchors to the media surface. The polyester ribbon isthen peeled away, leaving behind a stable, passive image. Consistent / sharp edge bar codeprint capability - with durable long-life and archival image stability. Clean, quiet, compactoperation Batch or individual label print capability. Low cost / low maintenance compared tocomparable technologies. Maximum readability and IR scanability. High contrast text, graphicand barcode print capability. Durable for operation joint office / industrial applications.

Throughput - refers to the average length of label stock that a printer can process and print in agiven amount of time. Throughput differs from print speed in that throughput includes the labeltransmission, formatting and printing times. Due to these factors, a 12 ips machine may havelower throughput than a 10 ips printer.

TTiilltt -Rotation of a bar code symbol about an axis perpendicular to the substrate.

TTwwoo--DDiimmeennssiioonnaall BBaarr CCooddee - Two Dimensional Bar codes are special rectangular codes which'stack' information in a manner allowing for more information storage in a smaller amount ofspace. These are also referred to as 'Stacked' Bar Codes or 'Matrix' Bar Codes. A standard barcode is limited to 20 to 25 characters.

TTwwoo--DDiimmeennssiioonnaall SSyymmbboollooggyy - A machine readable symbol composed of rows of encrypted dataarranged in a rectangular or square pattern. The rows of data may be composed of bar codestrips, "stacked" to form the two-dimensional block pattern or arranged as a checkerboard"matrix" of typically square elements.

UUUCCCC -- UUnniiffoorrmm CCooddee CCoouunncciill - formerly the Uniform Product Code Council. The organization thatadministers the UPC and other retail standards.UUSSSS ((UUnniiffoorrmm SSyymmbbooll SSppeecciiffiiccaattiioonn)) - The current series of symbology specifications publishedby AIM; currently includes USS-I 2/5, USS-39, USS-93, USS-Codabar and USS-128.

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VVVeerriiffiiccaattiioonn - The technical process by which a Bar Code symbol is evaluated to determinewhether it meets the specification for the specified symbol.

VVeerriiffiieerr - A device that makes measurements of the bars, spaces, quiet zones and opticalcharacteristics of a symbol to determine if the symbol meets the requirements of a specificationor standard. Vertical Bar Code - A code pattern presented in such an orientation that the axis ofthe symbol from start to stop is perpendicular to the horizon. The individual bars are in an arraythat appears as rungs of a ladder.

VVooiidd - The undesirable absence of ink in a printed bar.

XYZ""XX"" DDiimmeennssiioonn - The "X"-dimension is the narrowest bar or space in the bar code. This bar orspace is measured in millimeters. (mil=1/1000 of an inch). The "X"- dimension defines the densityof a linear symbology. Depending on what the "X"- dimension of a bar code is, the bar code willbe called either high density or low density.

""ZZ"" DDiimmeennssiioonn -The achieved width of the narrow elements, calculated as the average of thenarrow bar width and the average narrow space width.

ZZPPLL // ZZPPLL IIII - Zebra Programming Language - is the universal language / code of all Zebra barcode printers. ZPL is an ASCII based format that enables label generation to occur by way of aninstructional blueprint g label length, field origin, field data and other related information. ZPLenables labels with any combination of text, barcode or graphics to be created.

References:www.scansmart.com/university/dictionary.asp www.zebra.com/ss/glossary.pdf

wwwwww..ppddcc--hheeaalltthhccaarree..ccoommFFoorr iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn ccaallll CCuussttoommeerr CCaarree aatt 880000..777722..11112222 oorr 881188..889977..11111111 66::3300 aamm--44::3300 ppmm PPSSTT

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