GlaxoSmithKline has become the second vaccine producer to roll out 2D barcodes as part of a program to improve the accuracy of vaccine immunization records. The move follows its participation in a pilot project by the Centers for Disease Control with Sanofi Pasteur that ended earlier this year. It also comes at a time when healthcare facilities are racing to implement electronic health records with some struggling with the challenges that go along with that process.
So far, GSK has one 2D barcode for its Havrix Hepatitis A vaccine that was used as part of the pilot program. Between now and the end of 2014, it will roll out nine more. Sanofi became the first company to adopt 2D barcodes last year for its pediatric vaccines.
Unlike the linear bar codes currently used, 2D bar codes, could automate data transfer to EMRs.
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Currently, vaccine data, such as lot numbers, are either handwritten, which can be misread or inaccurately transcribed. Even if the information is typed into electronic medical records or immunization information systems, there can still be errors. The vaccine data can also be missing or incorrect within Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System reports. The lot number is critical in instances such as a product recall.
Another advantage 2D barcodes have is they can include more information than linear barcodes in a smaller space, according to the CDC’s website. 2D barcodes for vaccines could contain the vaccine product identification information as well as the lot number and expiration date. The linear barcodes only have enough space for vaccine product information.
An education forum on the subject earlier this year highlighted some concerns and challenges associated with 2D barcodes. Until the evaluation phase of the pilot is completed, it’s unclear what the timeframe will be for the government to require 2D barcodes. Currently it’s a voluntary program and vaccine manufacturers need to get US Food and Drug Administration approval to use 2D barcodes instead of linear ones.
But the government should take a lesson from the struggles that hospitals have experienced implementing electronic health records. The changes in workflow 2D barcode implementation will create and the need to allow enough time for training are just a few of the considerations that should be made before it’s expected to become standard practice.
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