Two kinds of scanning

Drug Tracking uses scanning in two ways, and it helps to know the difference:

  • Manufacturer barcode — the barcode printed on drug packaging. Scanning it fills in the product, lot number, and expiry date for you.
  • Company QR label — a label your agency prints and sticks on each vial when QR code pairing is turned on. Scanning it identifies that exact vial.

Scanning a manufacturer barcode

When you add or replace stock, look for the scan option. You can use your device camera, a connected scanner, or pair your phone as a scanner. Scan the barcode on the packaging and Drug Tracking reads what is encoded:

  • NDC (National Drug Code) — identifies the specific drug product.
  • Lot number — the manufacturer's batch identifier.
  • Expiry date — when the drug expires.

The matching fields fill in automatically. Check them, then confirm.

The Scan or enter a code field with Scan and Phone buttons in the stock dialog, where a scanned barcode fills in the lot number and expiration.

Scanning company QR labels

If your agency uses QR pairing, scan the company QR label on the vial when you stock, remove, or replace it. This ties each action to that specific vial, which is how the chain of custody is kept. See Setting up QR code pairing.

Example

You are replacing an expired vial of Midazolam on Medic 12. You grab a fresh vial from the station supply. Instead of squinting at the tiny print on the vial to read the lot number, you scan the barcode on the box. The system fills in the lot number and expiry date automatically. You confirm and move on.

Tip

Scan the barcode on the outer packaging (the box) rather than the vial itself. The box barcode is usually larger, easier to scan, and more likely to include all the encoded data. If you only have the vial, it will usually still work but may take a steadier hand.