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Blood Component Barcode Generator

ISBT-128 and Codabar test barcode generation suite for UK, Australian, and Irish transfusion standards.

Launch Tool↗

Steps to use the tool:

  1. Using the Region drop-down menu, select the appropriate region.
  2. Using the Product drop-down menu, select the required blood component from the list. The list contains components from the NHSBT Portfolio of Blood Components, The Australian Guidelines for the Labelling of the Blood Components using ISBT128 and the IBTS Product Masterfile.
  3. Select the Facility from the drop dropdown list.
  4. Select the blood group from the dedicated drop-down menu.
  5. Enter an expiry date of the component. The accepted format is DD/MM/YYYY, or you may use the inbuilt calendar function.
  6. Press the 'Generate' button. The tool will autogenerate an ISBT 128 compliant Donation Identification Number (DIN) and the image on the right-hand side of the screen will update immediately, displaying the corresponding component label and barcodes based on your selections.
  7. The generated image can then be scanned directly on the screen or downloaded for insertion into documentation or printing. To make the image bigger, use the zoom buttons under the image.

Version history and updates:

Version numberDateUpdates / notes
7.0: Blood component barcode generator fullAugust 2026
  • Updated rendering of Expiry date barcode.
  • Added resizing and sidebar collapsing function.
  • Updated image placement upon zooming.
6.0: Blood component barcode generator fullMay 2026
  • Multi-regional support with official catalogues from NHSBT, IBTS and Lifeblood.
  • Single click DIN copy using dedicated button.
5.3: Blood component barcode generator fullMarch 2026Updated tool expiry.
5.2: NHSBT Blood component barcode generator fullJanuary 2026Updated check digit calculation and barcode generation to fully meet ISBT-128 requirements.
5.1: NHSBT Blood component barcode generator fullNovember 2025Updated full NHSBT component list and organised by grouping together similar components.

Rationale & Development Overview

Published article from The Biomedical Scientist detailing the engineering and clinical application of the tool.

Download PDF↓

Disclaimer: This toolkit is intended to support trained laboratory professionals. It provides calculation and decision-support functions and should be used in conjunction with local SOPs, validated laboratory procedures and current national guidelines. Final clinical interpretation remains the responsibility of the reporting laboratory.