Transitioning to ISBT128 – The Experience of The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration

Authors

Patricia Dahl

Keywords

ISBT128, documentation, labeling

Abstract

ISBT 128 is the global standard for the terminology, identification, labeling, and information transfer of medical products of human origin across international borders and disparate healthcare systems. In 2014, the Eye Bank Association of America revised its Medical Standards to require its members to implement ISBT 128 labeling in a three phase process. The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration chose to integrate ISBT 128 with its database as a means to establish an in-house tissue tracking system, in addition to meeting compliance with EBAA Medical Standards. As a result, ISBT 128 has helped provide a computerized history, including dates, times, and technician identification involved in the processes that occur once tissue is received in the ocular laboratory.  Use of ISBT 128 labels and readable scanners provides more accurate data and eliminates illegibility in documentation, and is a key step towards achieving complete electronic laboratory records.