Twenty-five years later: has ISBT 128 fulfilled its promise?

Abstract

Traceability is essential to any quality program for medical products of human origin (MPHO). Standardized terminology, coding, and labeling systems that include key elements for traceability support electronically readable information on product labels and improve the accuracy and efficiency of data collection. ISBT 128 is such a system. The first specification for ISBT 128 was published 25 years ago, and since that time it has become the global standard for labeling and information transfer for MPHO. Additionally, standardization of granular product description codes has supported hemovigilance and other activities that depend on aggregated data. This review looks back over the development, current status, and potential future applications of the ISBT 128 Standard.