WHY BAR CODE RADIOGRAPHIC FILMS ?
Besides the usual advantages of bar codes in any information management system, there are many special benefits to utilizing them in radiology. The current system used to identify films is inefficient and prone to error. Here is an example of how bar coded films could be used in a way that is not possible today. Recent cases in the news media told of catastrophic surgical errors resulting from mislabeled or mis-read radiological images. With a bar code as part of the permanent film image, a simple scan of the bar code on the film being viewed and the patients bar coded ID bracelet, even during surgery, can quickly verify that the film is the correct one for the patient undergoing a procedure. In a few seconds the bar code scan could prevent a very serious, if not deadly, mistake. Besides the medical benefit, the potential for malpractice liability created by misread or mislabeled X-rays is greatly reduced. NON-MEDICAL APPLICATIONS Although primarily designed for health care oriented me
