ISBT 128 allows for concatenation of labels. Likewise, product code and outdate may be scanned with a single sweep. Because standardization lowers vendor costs, computer systems and labels may be cheaper following implementation of ISBT 128 . We are not blind to the cost of implementing ISBT 128 . However, I doubt any of us are using computer hardware or software systems that were designed in the 1970s, despite the appreciable expense of conversion.
Technology is so much better today that it is worth the investment.
Data structures are an integral part of our computerized systems and should be of the same generation. Some of the changes, such as check digits to ensure accurate manual entry and encoding of CMV and antigen typing, benefit blood centers and hospitals equally. Further, many transfusion services are sophisticated and modify components for their patients. All issues involved with product codes will benefit such hospitals as much as blood centers. Additionally, blood center billing is made more accurate if product codes capture modifications to a component for which a hospital is charged.