This Standard defines how to encode the NHS approved patient identifiers, such as the NHS Number, for identity bands into a two dimensional bar code, namely the GS1 Data Matrix Symbol. This standard covers production, verification and printing rules for the bar code.

The standard uses the GS1 System of Standards for code numbering and bar coding and ISB 0099 Patient Identifiers for Identity Bands for the required data items. The resulting data set is the AIDC for Patient Identification data set.

The purpose of this standard is to support the accurate, timely and, therefore, safer identification of NHS patients in England. It is a technology enabling standard. Implementation of this standard will enable subsequent processes involving the patient and care provided to the patient (where these processes are also bar coded) to be automatically identified using AIDC techniques, eg. bed management, phlebotomy, theatres management, medications administration. At this point, the full patient safety, cost and efficiency benefits of the standard will be realised.

This standard should be reviewed and implemented alongside ISB 0108 AIDC: Automatic Identification and Data Capture and those related standards and guidance outlined in Sections 1.2 and 1.3 of the Specification.

The following are out of scope:

• Identity band design including display of human readable information.
• Identity band production, verification, fitting and use.
• OBS for Newborn Screening Blood Spot Card Label.
• The NHS required patient identifiers for identity bands. These are mandated by the NPSA standard ISB 0099.
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).
• Bar coding of blood and blood products tracking.
• Bar coding of medical records and document management.
• Any of the business processes that adoption of this standard will enable, eg. scanning of bar codes and system design.

This standard applies to all health care settings in England where an identity band is worn by the patient.

It applies to all healthcare IT / system suppliers to the NHS in England that develop and implement systems which result in the production of patient identity bands.

The users of the standard will be those involved in the design, manufacture, procurement, deployment and use of systems which result in the production of patient identity bands, as well as those who are associated with the provision of care to the patient. These may include:

• IT and informatics personnel.
• Finance and procurement.
• Departmental directors and managers.
• Project managers.
• Healthcare professionals.
• Administration staff.
• Estates.

Although out of scope, due to the relationship between the two, the standard may be used as additional supporting guidance when meeting the requirements of the UK Newborn Screening Programme. However, this standard does not replace Output Based Specification (OBS) for the Newborn Screening Blood Spot Card Label.