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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA)

Hardware

While BCMA sites may procure and use any hardware they choose, they should be aware that the VA Bar Code Resource Office (BCRO) will only be able to provide help and support for hardware with which they have had experience. If a site chooses to purchase untested hardware, they may find themselves "on their own" if problems are encountered.

BCMA Workstation Hardware

  • PC or laptop with memory, video and hard disk space capable of running Windows 7 or higher
  • Wired ethernet network adapter or wireless network adapter

Tech Criteria 2012 Comparison [PDF - 117 KB]
National Bar Code Resource Office Med Cart Guidance and Recommendations [PDF - 960 KB]
Wall Mounted Solutions [PDF - 228 KB]

Bar Code Scanner for BCMA Workstations

  • FIPS 140-2 compliant
  • Point-of-care 2D bar code scanner (may be USB wired or wireless with USB base station)
  • Constructed of health care grade plastic

Additional Information:
Xenon 1900 [PDF - 3.9 MB]

Network

If wireless mobile workstations-on-wheels are utilized, site must have functioning wireless network that meets security standards

Wristband Printer Hardware

Recommended: A networkable printer capable of printing wristbands with bar code symbologies directly from RPMS PIMS package software. The VA has had good experience with the printer, Zebra LP/TLP 2824 Plus. Patient wristbands must be acquired and the St. John Companies-PDC Conf-ID-ent Direct Thermal Wristbands are recommended.

Additional Information:
BCMA Equipment Replacement Wristband Printer [PDF - 121 KB]
Zebra LP/TLP 2824 Plus [PDF - 623 KB]
Zebra LP/TLP 2824 Plus - Zebra Support Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
St. John Companies-PDC Conf-ID-ent Direct Thermal Wristbands Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 

IV Label Printer Hardware

Networkable printer capable of printing IV labels with bar code symbologies directly from RPMS Pharmacy package software. A separate printer is needed for IV labels and for Unit Dose (UD) labels, so two printers are needed.

Additional Information:
XM400 Standard Features [PDF - 318 KB]

Unit Dose Label Printer Hardware

Networkable printer capable of printing Unit Dose labels with bar code symbologies directly from RPMS Pharmacy package software. Same as IV Printer above.