HDA publishes new bar coding guide

The Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) has published a new document on the format, encoding and placement of bar codes for medicines sold in the US.

The new 'quick-start guide' on bar coding in the pharma supply chain updates an earlier 2014 document and takes into account changes such as the passage of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) which requires preparation for unit-level serialization of drug packs.

The full guidance document is currently being revised and is due for publication later this year, according to the HDA's Bar Code Task Force, which said the recommendations are now further aligned with GS1 standards.

Among the changes in the new edition are the following:

• The addition of a recommendation for a wrap-around case label;

• A change in the placement of the 2D GS1 DataMatrix symbol on the case label to the outer edges of the label, away from the carton edge;

• Updates to the information encoded in the 2D GS1 DataMatrix symbol;

• New guidance on inner pack labels; and

• Inclusion of recommendation to use a serial shipping container code (SSSC) for partial cases.

"This 2016 Quick Start Guide update reflects lessons learned through the DSCSA implementation process and replaces the original document," says the HDA, which recently changed its name from the Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA).