Re: Using Bar Codes

[Robert Jeffrey Gunter <GUNTERRJ@kohis.a1.ornl.gov>]

Here at ORNL and other Oak Ridge facilities (managed by MMES), bar codes are 
used for tracking of dosimeters and access control.

We have bar codes on each part of our dosimeter, the front and back housing and 
the internal card containing TLD elements.  We keep track of each part of the 
complete dosimeter for process monitoring/chain of custody.  The bar codes on 
the TLD cards keep track of element specific correction factors, and process 
cycle information (anneal, issue, and read info.).  As dosimeters are returned 
for processing we scan them in to maintain chain of custody info.  The scan 
numbers on one part are capable of relating all the others.  Our readers also 
scan the TLD cards as they are read and annealed relating the necessary info.

Bar codes are also provided on our ID badges.

There are many applications, mainly relating to process control/chain of 
custody.  I believe they are also used by some of the instrument calibration 
people out here for keeping track of where instruments are in the calibration 
facility.  They seem to be quite good for keeping track of large numbers of 
materials.  

I have also heard of a non-HP related system used in hospitals to keep track of 
who has served a patient.  When a health care provider visits the patient they 
scan their ID in and out of each patients record.

Not as good as a retina scan though....

Rob Gunter
ORNL