Labeling of Cellular Therapy Products: Isbt 128 Standard

ISBT 128 STANDARD
Labeling of Cellular Therapy

Products
Version 1.2.0
November 2018
Tracking Number ICCBBA ST-004
ISBN-13: 978-1-933243-84-9
ISBN-10: 1-933243-84-8
Published by:
ICCBBA
PO Box 11309, San Bernardino, CA 92423-1309 USA
Labeling of Cellular Therapy Products v1.2.0 2
Editor
Mónica Freire, BS
Standards Development Manager, ICCBBA
Standards Committee
John Armitage, Prof., BSc, PhD United Kingdom
Paul Ashford, MSc. CEng. CSci. ICCBBA
Wayne Bolton, B.App.Sc., M.App.Sc Australia
Suzanne Butch, MA, MT(ASCP)SBB United States of America
Erwin Cabana, BA ICCBBA
Mónica Freire, BS ICCBBA
Jørgen Georgsen, MD Denmark
Mario Muon, MD Portugal
Stefan Poniatowski, BSc, MIBMS Australia
Leigh Sims Poston, BS, MT(ASCP) United States of America
Ineke Slaper-Cortenbach, PhD The Netherlands
Zbigniew Szczepiorkowski, MD, PhD United States of America
Izabela Uhrynowska-Tyszkiewicz, MD, PhD Poland
© 2012-2018 ICCBBA, All rights reserved www.iccbba.org

Warranty Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability
ICCBBA provides no representation or warranty that the Licensee’s use of ISBT 128 is suitable for
any particular purpose and the selection, use, efficiency and suitability of ISBT 128 is the sole
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from the use of ISBT 128 or the marks.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Copyright 2018. ISBT 128 is not in the public domain and is protected by law. Implementation of ISBT
128 requires the end-user to register with ICCBBA and to pay an annual license fee. License fees are
established by the ICCBBA Board of Directors to cover the expenses of maintaining and extending
ISBT 128, and making available current versions of the documents and database tables that are
needed to implement this Standard.
This Standard is intended for the use of those implementing ISBT 128, regulatory agencies, and
software developers and other manufacturers that support end-users.
Although it is made available to anyone wishing to obtain a copy, national “Guidelines” describing its
use in a particular country may be an additional source of information for the end-user. If such
“Guidelines” exist, they must be consulted because there are options in ISBT 128, and country-
specific information pertaining to the particular use of such options will only be found in such
“Guidelines.”
Any use of this Guideline, or the accompanying database tables, by other than registered
organizations, or facilities that have obtained their computer software from a registered and licensed
developer, is strictly forbidden. Copying any portion of the Standard, or of any accompanying
database table, either in electronic or other format, without express written permission from ICCBBA
is strictly forbidden. Posting of any portion of the Standard, or of any accompanying database table, to
any online service by anyone other than ICCBBA is strictly forbidden.
There are no guarantees or warranties attached to this Standard other than that ICCBBA, Inc agrees
to furnish registered and licensed end-users with the most up-to-date information available.
Successful implementation of this Standard, and use of any accompanying database table(s),
depend(s) upon the correct incorporation of the rules and table contents into the software used by or
provided to the registered and licensed facility. ICCBBA, Inc makes no other warranties of any kind,
whether expressed or implied, including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for any
particular purpose. Further information can be found at www.iccbba.org.

Table of Contents
1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 6
1.1 Purpose ....................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Scope .......................................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Intended Audience ....................................................................................................... 6
1.4 Normative References ................................................................................................. 6
1.5 Other References ........................................................................................................ 6
1.6 Background.................................................................................................................. 7
1.7 Changes in This Version .............................................................................................. 8
2 Data Structures ..................................................................................................................13
3 General Labeling Considerations .......................................................................................14
3.1 General Principles.......................................................................................................14
3.2 Label Size ...................................................................................................................14
3.3 Minimum Requirements for ISBT 128 Labels ..............................................................15
3.4 Other Minimum Label Requirements ...........................................................................15
3.5 National Labeling Guidelines ......................................................................................16
4 Electronically Readable Symbols .......................................................................................17
5 Bar Code and 2-D Symbol Placement................................................................................18
5.1 Base Label ..................................................................................................................18
5.2 100 mm x 100 mm Product Label ...............................................................................19
5.3 Partial Labels ..............................................................................................................22
5.4 Location of the GRID on a 100 mm x 100 mm Label ...................................................23
6 Text....................................................................................................................................24
6.1 Donation Identification Number [Data Structure 001] ..................................................25
6.2 Facility ........................................................................................................................26
6.3 Blood Groups [ABO and RhD] ....................................................................................27
6.4 Product Descriptions ...................................................................................................28
6.5 Dates ..........................................................................................................................29
6.6 Text Not Associated with Electronically Readable Information ....................................31
6.7 Global Registration Identifier for Donors .....................................................................31
7 Label Examples .................................................................................................................32
7.1 Full 100 mm x 100 mm Label ......................................................................................32
7.2 Labeling Containers Smaller than 100 mm x 100 mm .................................................37
8 Glossary ............................................................................................................................40
9 Annex – Joint Statement ....................................................................................................43

Tables
Table 1 Positioning Bar Codes on the Base Labels [RT020] ....................................................18
Table 2 Positioning of Bar Codes on a 100 mm x 100 mm Cellular Therapy Label [RT062] .....20
Table 3 Recommended Bar Code Alignment on a 100 mm x 100 mm Cellular Therapy Label
[RT063] .....................................................................................................................................21
Figures
Figure 1 Minimum ISBT 128 Information ..................................................................................15
Figure 2 Minimum ISBT 128 Requirements and Additional Information – Linear ......................15
Figure 3 Minimum ISBT 128 Requirements and Additional Information – 2-D ..........................16
Figure 4 Comparison of 2-D and Linear Bar Codes ..................................................................17
Figure 5 Placement and Nominal Size of Bar Codes on Base Label ........................................19
Figure 6 Placement and Nominal Size of Bar Codes on Final Label.........................................22
Figure 7 Examples of Data Labels (in Red Boxes) ...................................................................24
Figure 8 Representation of Flag Characters.............................................................................25
Figure 9 Upper Left Quadrant Facility Text...............................................................................26
Figure 10 Upper Left Quadrant for Matched, Unrelated Donor .................................................26
Figure 11 Upper Right Quadrant for Designated or Directed Collection ...................................27
Figure 12 Upper Right Quadrant for “Non-Specified” Collection ...............................................27
Figure 13 Example of Relative Size of Class and Attributes Text .............................................28
Figure 14 Printing of “Yes/No” Attributes ..................................................................................29
Figure 15 Collection Label........................................................................................................32
Figure 16 Label at Time of Release of Product (Designated) ...................................................33
Figure 17 Label at Time of Release of Product (Autologous Biohazard)...................................33
Figure 18 Label at Time of Release of Product (Autologous, Not Biohazard) ...........................34
Figure 19 Flexible Date and Time ............................................................................................35
Figure 20 GRID in Eye-Readable Text Only .............................................................................35
Figure 21 GRID in Linear Bar Code and Eye-Readable Text ...................................................36
Figure 22 GRID in 2-D Symbol and Eye-Readable Text...........................................................36
Figure 23 48 mm x 76 mm Final Label (Designated) ................................................................37
Figure 24 48 mm x 76 mm Final Label (Autologous Biohazard) ...............................................37
Figure 25 96 mm x 38 mm Final Label (Designated) ................................................................38
Figure 26 96 mm x 38 mm Final Label (Autologous, Biohazard) ..............................................38
Figure 27 Cryo Vial Label .........................................................................................................39
Figure 28 Other Small Labels...................................................................................................39

1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose
This document is intended to help facilities, label vendors, and software developers
design appropriate ISBT 128 labels for cellular therapy products.
1.2 Scope
This document provides guidance in the design of labels for cellular therapy products
following the standards described in the ISBT 128 Standard Technical Specification (ST-
001). Because container sizes for these products vary considerably, only a sampling of
possible label designs is provided.
This document addresses affixed labels in the ISBT 128 format. It does not address the
design of attached labels or accompanying documents.
1.3 Intended Audience

The intended audience of this document is staff at facilities of cellular therapy collection
and processing centers, as well as the hospitals that receive these products
(management, information technology, quality, validation, and laboratory), auditors,
software developers, and label vendors.
1.4 Normative References

ISBT 128 Standard Technical Specification (ST-001)
ISBT 128 Standard Terminology for Medical Products of Human Origin (ST-002)
ISO 8601:2004(E): Data elements and interchange formats — Information interchange

— Representation of dates and times
1.5 Other References

ICCBBA
Implementation Guide: Product Coding [Data Structures 003 and 032] - Cellular Therapy
(IG-022)
Implementation Guide: Use of Flexible Date and Time [Data Structure 031] (IG-024)
AABB
AABB Standards for Cellular Therapy Services (available from AABB at
http://www.aabb.org)

FACT
Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) Standards
http://www.factwebsite.org/Standards/
JACIE
Joint Accreditation Committee of ISCT and EBMT Standards
http://www.jacie.org/
NetCord-FACT Standards
http://www.factwebsite.org/Standards/
WMDA
World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) Standards
https://www.wmda.info/professionals/quality-and-accreditation/wmda-standards/
WBMT
The Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Position Paper can be
found at:
https://www.wbmt.org/fileadmin/pdf/01_General/WBMT_position_statement_for_Europe
an_Labeling_and_ISBT.pdf
1.6 Background
A Specification, ISBT 128, for labeling blood products was developed by the
International Society of Blood Transfusion Working Party on Automation and Data
Processing (WPADP) [now called the Working Party on Information Technology] and
published by ICCBBA in 1995. Countries around the world are in various stages of
implementation, and the model originally developed by the WPADP has demonstrated
its suitability by accommodating regional changes without substantial structural change.
It was recognized almost immediately that the ISBT 128 Standard would be useful for
cellular therapy products as well as blood products. A small number of facilities began
using ISBT 128 for these products in the late 1990s. However, greater international
standardization in terminology and labeling was needed to allow the use of the Standard
to become widespread. This goal was met through the co-operative endeavor of the
following organizations:
• AABB
• American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (ASBMT)
• American Society for Apheresis (ASFA)
• Asia-Pacific Blood and Marrow Transplantation Group (APBMT)
• European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT)
• Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT)
• ICCBBA
• International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT)
• International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy (ISCT)
• Joint Accreditation Committee of ISCT and EBMT (JACIE)
• National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP)
• World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA)

Representatives from these organizations, as well as additional technical experts and

regulatory liaisons, comprise the Cellular Therapy Coding and Labeling Advisory Group
(CTCLAG). Through this group, global consensus is reached for the on-going
development of terminology and label design for cellular therapy products using the
ISBT 128 Standard. See the Annex – Joint Statement for a message from these groups
in support of ISBT 128.
Standard terminology will help to ensure a common understanding of product definitions.

Use of the ISBT 128 Standard will provide:
• Unique global identification of cellular therapy products

• An international reference table for product descriptions
• Label designs that are consistent worldwide
The organizations supporting this Standard believe that its adoption will significantly
improve the quality, safety, and traceability of cellular therapy products.
1.7 Changes in This Version

The following table indicates the major changes between Version 1.1.0 and Version
1.2.0. Actual changes or additions to requirements of the ISBT 128 Standard are in bold
print; changes to formatting or organization, or additional guidance, are in regular print.
Version
Version 1.1.0
1.2.0
Chapter,
Chapter,
Section, Change Rationale
Section,
Table, or
Table, or
Figure
Figure
1 Acknowledg N/A Removed the The acknowledgement is
ement Acknowledgement no longer needed.
section.
2 1.5 and 3.4 1.5 and 3.4 Removed No longer used as a
reference to reference.
AHCTA.
3 1.5 1.5 Removed WMDA The WMDA Position
Position Paper Paper reference is no
reference and longer valid.
replaced it with the
WBMT Position
Paper.
4 1.6 1.6 Updated names of To reflect the current
the APBMT, names used on their
EBMT, and ISCT. respective websites.

Version
Version 1.1.0
1.2.0
Chapter,
Chapter,
Section,
Table, or
Table, or
Figure
Figure
5 3.1 3.1 Removed FACT This definition is no
and JACIE longer accurate per the
definition for a Seventh Edition of the
partial label. FACT-JACIE International
Standards for
Hematopoietic Cellular
Therapy Product
Collection, Processing,
and Administration.
6 3.3 3.3 Changed the “2-D” is referring to the
wording from “2-D Data Matrix symbol on
label” to “2-D the label and not the label
symbol.” itself.
7 4 4 Updated wording To clarify that imaging
for use of imaging scanners are becoming
scanners. more widely available.
8 4 4 Added text that The receiving system
the use of imaging software may require
scanners may changes in order to
require changes to decode the compound
receiving system message read by imaging
software. scanners.
9 5 5 Added “and 2-D The chapter also provides
Symbol” to the direction for the
chapter title. placement of the 2-D
symbol on labels.
10 5.1 5.1 Updated Table To reflect the most recent
RT020. version of RT020 in ST-
005.
11 5.2 5.2 Added text that This text was added to
the inclusion of the clarify the information
bar code for Data previously presented only
Structure 005 is in a table.
strongly
recommended and
is anticipated to be
a requirement in
the future.

Version
Version 1.1.0
1.2.0
Chapter,
Chapter,
Section,
Table, or
Table, or
Figure
Figure
12 5.2 5.2 Removed Tables The new tables more
RT022, RT023, accurately reflect the
and RT024 and Standard.
added the new
Tables RT062 and
RT063.
13 5.2 5.2 Reworded To reference the
paragraphs information now located
referencing Tables in new Tables RT062 and
RT022, RT023, RT063.
and RT024 for bar
code positioning.
14 Figure 6 Figure 6 Removed the To clarify which bar codes
reference to are required on a cellular
Recommended therapy label and which
Bar Codes and ones are optional.
placed all optional
data structures
under the Optional
Bar Codes and
Symbols section.
15 N/A 5.4 Added section To provide instructions
for GRID location for the placement of the
on a 100 mm x GRID linear bar code on
100 mm label. cellular therapy labels.
16 6 6 Removed ICCBBA no longer uses
references to Bar this terminology. Chapter
Code Text, Data updated to match the text
Content Text, and requirements in ST-001.
Additional Text.
17 6 6 Removed In the ISBT 128 Standard
requirement for Technical Specification
san serif print. (ST-001), the focus is on
clarity of text instead of
particular font types and
sizes.

Version
Version 1.1.0
1.2.0
Chapter,
Chapter,
Section,
Table, or
Table, or
Figure
Figure
18 6.2.1 6.1 Added Check To reflect information in
Character ST-001 that the manual
information to check character should
Donation be used to ensure the
Identification accuracy of keyboard
Number Data data entry.
Structure section.
19 3.3, 6.3.2, 3.3, 6.3, and Changed This was a decision by
and 8 8 “Donation” to the Standards Committee
“Collection” for all to move toward Collection
references to Type instead of Donation
Donation Type Type as not all collections
Code and types of are donations.
donations.
20 6.3.3 6.4 Added “shall be The printed Class name
printed” after is a requirement for
Class name. cellular therapy products.
21 6.3.3 6.4 Added the text “or Approved abbreviations

approved may be used on partial
abbreviation” for labels.
Class name
requirement.
22 6.3.3 6.4 Changed the This is a statement that is
wording from placed on the label and
“interpretation” to not an interpretation of
“statement” for any information.
printing “yes/no”
Attribute
information.
23 6.3.4 6.5 Changed the ISO To reflect the date format
8601-2004 in ISO 8601-2004 and to
extended format match the example
example from an provided for the alternate
actual date to a date option.
generic format
“YYYY-MM-DD.”

Version
Version 1.1.0
1.2.0
Chapter,
Chapter,
Section,
Table, or
Table, or
Figure
Figure
24 6.3.4 6.5 Changed the local To link the time zones in
time and time the example to those
zone in the UTC used in the note below it
example from EST for visual reference.
to CST.
25 N/A Figure 7 Added an example For clarification of the text
showing the data and to show examples of
labels. data labels.
26 N/A 6.7 Added section This information has
for eye-readable been added to the ISBT
presentation of 128 Standards (located
the GRID. in ST-015).
27 N/A Figure 20 , Added Figures 20 To provide information
Figure 21, - 22 as examples needed for labeling
and Figure of labels with the products with the GRID.
22 GRID.
28 8 8 Updated To match the current
definitions in the definitions in ST-001.
glossary.
29 8 8 Changed the To match the terminology
section header in used in Figure 2, Section
the glossary from 2.4.1 in ST-001 for the
“Terminology Donation Identification
Used in Donation Number Data Structure.
Numbering” to
“Terminology
Used in ISBT 128
Donation
Numbering.”
Note: The following changes were made to version 1.1.0 of this document and
inadvertently missed in the version changes table in Section 1.7:
1. The term “eye-readable text” was changed to “data content text” in Chapter 6
because the term “eye-readable” had a different meaning outside ISBT 128 that
caused confusion.
2. A paragraph on the Flexible Date and Time [Data Structure 031] was added to
Section 6.3.4 as a result of the new data structure added to the ISBT 128 Standard.

2 Data Structures
The data structures that are commonly used to label cellular therapy products include:
• Donation Identification Number [Data Structure 001]

• Blood Groups [ABO and RhD] [Data Structure 002]
• Product Code [Data Structure 003]
• Expiration Date and Time [Data Structure 005]
• Collection Date [Data Structure 006] or Collection Date and Time [Data Structure 007]
Detailed information for all data structures is found in the ISBT 128 Standard Technical
Specification (ST-001).

3 General Labeling Considerations

3.1 General Principles
There are two general types of labels to consider for cellular therapy products:
• The base label that is applied by the manufacturer of the container.
• Product labels that are applied by cellular therapy facilities. Different types of product
labels include:
o The label at the completion of product collection
o The label at the completion of processing
o The label at distribution for administration
o A partial label that can be either an in-process product label or the label on a
product that is ready for administration
The following general principles apply to label design:
• Primary considerations in label design shall include improving the safety of the
product and the efficiency of processing/administering. If these two considerations
conflict, safety shall take precedence over efficiency.
• Critical information on the container shall dominate the label via position and
prominence and shall take precedence over information that is of less importance to
the end-user (clinician, nurse, laboratory staff, and other hospital personnel).
Because of differences in languages and regulations, text that appears on the label, as
well as the location of that text, is left to national authorities. However, examples are
provided for guidance in determining where text may be placed. Bar code placement is
more strictly standardized.
3.2 Label Size

The size of an ISBT 128 label for cellular therapy products will vary primarily depending
upon the size of the container. Factors such as the amount of information that a facility
wants to encode using ISBT 128 data structures, the symbology (linear bar codes versus
2-D symbols) chosen to convey electronically readable information, the number of
languages that may be required for text, and the requirements for other information on
the label may influence the size of the label.
The ISBT 128 Standard, therefore, does not specify a particular size of label. However, a
100 mm x 100 mm label is considered a routine label size when the size of the container
permits. This allows label stock typically used for blood banks to be used for cellular
therapy products.

3.3 Minimum Requirements for ISBT 128 Labels

Regardless of the size of the label, the minimum ISBT 128 information content of the
label shall be:
• Electronically readable Donation Identification Number (DIN). If a 2-D symbol is

used, both the DIN and the Product Code shall be electronically readable.
• The eye-readable Donation Identification Number, flag characters when required

(rotated 90° clockwise), and the boxed manual check character.
• The eye-readable Product Code (Product Description Code, Collection Type Code,
and Division Code). If this text does not appear in conjunction with a bar code (e.g.,
there is no linear bar code for Product Code or a 2-D symbol is used), the word
“Product” shall precede the Product Code, see Figure 1 and Figure 2.
• The product Class name.
Figure 1 Minimum ISBT 128 Information
3.4 Other Minimum Label Requirements

Applicable regulations and standards should be consulted for other minimum
requirements for labels, see Section 1.5. Typically, intended recipient information is
required. Labeling requirements may vary based on the stage of the product (at
completion of collection, at completion of processing, and at distribution for
administration).
Figure 2 Minimum ISBT 128 Requirements and Additional Information – Linear

Figure 3 Minimum ISBT 128 Requirements and Additional Information – 2-D
3.5 National Labeling Guidelines

National bodies may publish guidelines for labeling which adhere to the ISBT 128
Standard. ICCBBA maintains on its website examples of such national documents. For
assistance in creating such national guidelines, or to share a national guideline on the
ICCBBA website, contact the ICCBBA office (tech.manager@iccbba.org).

4 Electronically Readable Symbols

Either linear bar codes (Code 128) or two-dimensional (2-D) symbols (Data Matrix), or both,
may be used to label cellular therapy products. 2-D symbols have the advantage of allowing a
great deal of information to be encoded into a very small amount of space, see Figure 4. They
require a more modern type of scanner, an imaging scanner, to read them and may require
changes to the receiving system software. Imaging scanners are becoming more widely
available in hospitals.
Specifications (quality, dimensions, etc.) for the printing of electronically readable symbols are
found in the ISBT 128 Standard Technical Specification (ST-001).
Figure 4 Comparison of 2-D and Linear Bar Codes

5 Bar Code and 2-D Symbol Placement

5.1 Base Label
Where the container is of sufficient size, it should carry a 100 ± 2 mm x 106 ± 2 mm
base label.
The base label should carry the two manufacturer’s information bar codes:
• The Container Manufacturer and Catalog Number [Data Structure 017] bar code in
the lower left quadrant
• The Container Lot Number [Data Structure 018] bar code in the lower right quadrant
The recommended position for these bar codes on a 100 ± 2 mm x 106 ± 2 mm label is
indicated in Table 1 and shown on Figure 5.
Table 1 Positioning Bar Codes on the Base Labels [RT020]
Bar Code Vertical Alignment Horizontal Alignment

Container Manufacturer 9 mm ± 2 mm from Bar code right edge should
and Catalog Number bottom of label* be at 4 mm ± 2 mm from
[017] right edge of Left
Quadrant*
Container Lot Number 9 mm ± 2 mm from Bar code left edge should
[018] bottom of label* be at 4 mm ± 2 mm from
left edge of Right
Quadrant*
*Concatenation distances must also be maintained

Figure 5 Placement and Nominal Size of Bar Codes on Base Label
1 2
Manufacturer’s Bar Codes

1 – Container Manufacturer and Catalog Number
2 – Container Lot Number
5.2 100 mm x 100 mm Product Label

When space permits, the size of the product label is 100 ± 2 mm x 100 ± 2 mm. The
affixed label may be applied as a single 100 mm x 100 mm label or may be built up with
smaller labels applied at different stages during the process.
• The bar codes for the Donation Identification Number [Data Structure 001] and
Product Code [Data Structure 003] shall be present.
• When known at the time of labeling, the bar code for the Blood Groups [ABO and
RhD] [Data Structure 002] shall be present.
• The inclusion of the bar code for the Expiration Date and Time [Data Structure 005]
or the Flexible Date and Time [Data Structure 031], if known at the time of labeling, is
strongly recommended. It is anticipated this will be a requirement in the future.

The product label design shall be based upon the concept of four equal quadrants, 50 ±
1 mm x 50 ± 1 mm each. The bar codes shall be placed in these quadrants as indicated
in Table 2.
Table 2 Positioning of Bar Codes on a 100 mm x 100 mm Cellular Therapy Label [RT062]
Quadrant Bar Codes

Upper Left Required to be printed:
• Donation Identification Number [Data Structure 001]
Optional:
• Collection Date [Data Structure 006]
• Collection Date and Time [Data Structure 007]
• Production Date and Time [Data Structure 009]
• Flexible Date and Time [Data Structure 031] - Encoding the collection or
production date and time
Lower Left Required to be printed:
• Product Code [Data Structure 003]
Upper Right Required to be printed when known at the time of labeling:
• Blood Groups [ABO and RhD] [Data Structure 002]
Optional:
• Global Registration Identifier for Donors [Data Structure 039]
Lower Right Strongly recommended to be printed when known at the time of labeling:
• Expiration Date and Time [Data Structure 005] or
• Flexible Date and Time [Data Structure 031] - Encoding the expiration date
and time
The recommended alignment of bar codes on a 100 mm x 100 mm label is described in

Table 3. This design places the bar codes in an ideal position for concatenation.

Table 3 Recommended Bar Code Alignment on a 100 mm x 100 mm Cellular Therapy

Label [RT063]
Bar Code Vertical Alignment Horizontal Alignment
Donation Identification 3 ± 2 mm from top of Upper Bar code right edge should be
Number [001] Left Quadrant* 4 ± 2 mm from right edge of
Upper Left Quadrant*
Product Code [003] 3 ± 2 mm from top of Lower Bar code right edge should be
Left Quadrant* 4 ± 2 mm from right edge of
Lower Left Quadrant*
Blood Groups [ABO and 3 ± 2 mm from top of Upper Bar code left edge should be 4
RhD] [002] Right Quadrant* ± 2 mm from left edge of Upper
Right Quadrant*
Expiration Date and Time 3 ± 2 mm from top of Lower Bar code left edge should be 4
[005 or 031] Right Quadrant* ± 2 mm from left edge of Lower
Right Quadrant*
Collection Date (and Time) 20 ± 2 mm from top of Upper Bar code right edge should be
[006, 007, or 031] or Left Quadrant 4 ± 2 mm from right edge of
Production Date and Time Upper Left Quadrant
[009 or 031]
*Concatenation distances must also be maintained
When present, the Data Matrix symbol shall include the Donation Identification Number
and Product Code Data Structures. It should also include the Blood Groups [ABO and
RhD] and the Expiration Date and Time Data Structures when this information is
available. Any additional ISBT 128 data structures (excluding nationally defined
structures) may also be included.
Where a Data Matrix symbol is used, it should be positioned as close to the bottom of
the label as practical in the lower right quadrant.
Depending on the amount of text that is required on a label, it may be necessary to

reduce the bar code height in accordance with bar code height requirements described
in the ISBT 128 Standard Technical Specification (ST-001).
Figure 6 shows the placement and nominal size of bar codes on a final label.

Figure 6 Placement and Nominal Size of Bar Codes on Final Label
1 2
3 4
Gray lines marking quadrants are for reference only and should not be printed on the label
Required Bar Codes

1 – Donation Identification Number
2 – Blood Groups [ABO and RhD]
3 – Product Code
Strongly Recommended
4 – Expiration Date and Time
Optional Bar Codes and Symbols

5 – Collection (or Production) Date and Time
6 – 2-D symbol with all five data structures
5.3 Partial Labels

When the container size is small, partial labels must be used. The placement of
electronically readable information on a partial label will be entirely dependent on the
size and shape of the label. For linear labels, the DIN bar code should appear before
(above) the Product Code bar code (if present). Because of size constraints, 2-D
symbols may be preferred. Appropriate regulations and standards should be followed
when determining what information will appear on the partial affixed label and what
information will be carried on attached labels or accompanying documentation.

5.4 Location of the GRID on a 100 mm x 100 mm Label

The Global Registration Identifier for Donors (GRID) may be encoded in a linear bar
code or a 2-D symbol.
When encoded in a linear bar code or as standalone information in a 2-D symbol, it shall
be placed in the upper right quadrant.
When encoded along with other product information in a 2-D symbol, the eye-readable
GRID shall be placed in the upper right quadrant, and the 2-D symbol should be
positioned as close to the bottom of the label as practical in the lower right quadrant.
For an example of the GRID in a linear bar code and as standalone information in a 2-D
symbol, see Section 7, Figure 21 and Figure 22.

6 Text
Fonts selected for labels shall allow differentiation between similar characters (e.g., 0/O and
1/I).
Particular font sizes and types are not specified, but designers shall ensure clarity of all text and
use larger fonts to emphasize critical information. The use of color (e.g., for ABO) is neither
prohibited nor encouraged.
Unless otherwise specified, every ISBT 128 linear bar code on a container label shall be
accompanied by text that corresponds to the data content. It shall be printed left justified
immediately below, but not touching, the linear bar code, unless otherwise specified. Text shall
be in font that differentiates similar characters with a maximum height of 2 mm.
Data identifiers shall not appear in text, unless otherwise specified.
At a minimum, data labels (i.e., text indicating the meaning of the data item) should be used
when the purpose of the code is not apparent by its position on the label or by its context, see
Figure 7. Appropriate abbreviations may be used when space is limited.
Figure 7 Examples of Data Labels (in Red Boxes)

6.1 Donation Identification Number [Data Structure 001]

All data characters in the thirteen (13)-character DIN shall be printed. This includes the
second data identifier character as, in this specific case, the second character of the
data identifier is also a data content character. A national authority should determine
how the DIN should be displayed, for example:
W1234 17 123456
V0043 17 499 999
The flag characters “ff” may be used to convey specific information other than the unique
identification of the product and shall be distinguished from the Donation Identification
Number.
When the default value (00) is used for flag characters, it does not have to be printed.
When Type 1 or Type 2 flag characters are used, they shall be printed as either:
• Numeric Presentation: The two-digit values of flags “ff” shall be printed rotated 90º
clockwise to make them visually different from the Donation Identification Number.
Figure 8 Representation of Flag Characters

02
W0000 17 123456 G
Flag Characters
• Non-numeric Presentation: A graphical icon or other representation of the value of

“ff.” For example, for flag “07” printing, an icon showing a small test tube may be
used.
Type 3 flag characters shall not be printed.
An additional check character is calculated on the thirteen data characters of the DIN. It
is printed enclosed in a box to the right of the DIN and flag characters, see Figure 8. The
check character system ISO/IEC 7064 Mod 37-2 method is used to compute this check
character. The manual check character should be used to ensure the accuracy of
keyboard data entry.
When linear bar codes are used, the DIN shall be printed beneath the corresponding bar
code, but it does not need to be left justified. This allows the DIN to be printed in a larger
font.

6.2 Facility
The name and the address of the facility that corresponds to the Facility Identification
Number (FIN) may appear beneath the DIN in text.
Figure 9 Upper Left Quadrant Facility Text
In the situation of a Matched, Unrelated Donor where confidentiality of the collection

facility is needed, it is recommended by the WMDA (https://www.wmda.info/) that the
facility name NOT appear in text on the label, see Figure 10.
Note: It is also recommended that facilities not publish their FINs on their websites or
other materials in order to keep the link between FIN and facility name less easily
discoverable.
Figure 10 Upper Left Quadrant for Matched, Unrelated Donor

6.3 Blood Groups [ABO and RhD]

The ABO and RhD blood groups should be printed beside (Autologous, Directed, or
Designated collections) or beneath (collection type not specified, such as a public Cord
Blood collection) the corresponding bar code in the upper right quadrant.
Figure 11 Upper Right Quadrant for Designated or Directed Collection
Figure 12 Upper Right Quadrant for “Non-Specified” Collection

6.4 Product Descriptions

On a 100 mm x 100 mm label, product description text shall be in the lower left quadrant
beneath its corresponding bar code. It shall be left justified.
The Class name shall be printed and Attributes (except default Attributes) text should be
printed on the label when space allows. Product description text should be printed with
the Attributes proportionally smaller than the Class name.
Modifiers are no longer used with cellular therapy products. For facilities that have not
moved to the new terminology, please consult version 1.0.0 of this Standard for
instructions on how to print modifiers. For version 1.0.0 of this document, please contact
the ICCBBA office.
Figure 13 Example of Relative Size of Class and Attributes Text
On smaller labels, the full product description may not fit on the label. The Class name
or approved abbreviation shall appear. Abbreviations of Class names [described in the
ISBT 128 Standard Terminology for Medical Products of Human Origin (ST-002)] may
be used on partial labels if space does not permit the full name and if allowed by
regulatory authorities. If abbreviations are used, the full Class name shall be used in the
accompanying documentation.
If space does not permit, the Attributes may be included on attached labels or in
accompanying documentation. Where space allows, a phrase such as “See Attached
Documentation for Details” should appear when the Attributes are not printed on the
label. Relative size of Class and Attributes should be as described above, if space
permits.
Two Attributes may appear on the same line to conserve space.
Some Attribute groups encode only “yes/no” information. For example:
Other Additives Group
Default: Default. No additives other than as

Other part of the anticoagulant solution at
Additives:No the time of collection.
Other Other additives. See accompanying
Additives:Yes documentation.

In this situation, it would be appropriate to print a statement on the label such as “Other
Additives Present” and “See Attached Documentation for Details,” see Figure 14.
Figure 14 Printing of “Yes/No” Attributes
6.5 Dates
When bar codes for dates (collection or expiration) are present, the corresponding text
shall be printed in the upper left quadrant for the collection date/time and lower right
quadrant for the expiration date/time. When linear bar codes are present, the information
shall appear beneath the corresponding linear bar code.
If bar codes for dates are not present, text information for collection date/time, if present,
should appear in the upper left quadrant and text information for expiration date/time, if
present, should appear in the lower right quadrant.
Dates shall be printed in compliance with ISO 8601-2004 extended format (YYYY-MM-
DD) or in the format day — month — year. If the latter, the day shall be numerical and
the month alphabetical using a three-letter abbreviation. The year shall be a four-digit
numerical representation.
Times shall be printed based on a twenty-four hour clock with a colon placed between
the hours and minutes.
2018-06-05 15:15
OR
05 JUN 2018 15:15

When the default time of 23:59 is encoded, the time does not have to appear as text,
although it is acceptable if it does appear.
2018-06-05
OR
05 JUN 2018
or
2018-06-05 23:59
OR
05 JUN 2018 23:59
If the product is to be shipped across time zones, AABB and FACT-JACIE Standards
require that the text expiration date and time include the local time zone. In addition, the
ISBT 128 Standard requires that the label also include the Coordinated Universal Time
(abbreviated UTC, previously known as Greenwich Mean Time, or GMT) when the
product is to be shipped across an international time zone.
The UTC shall be printed beneath the local time in parentheses with the designation
“UTC.” Italics may also be used to clearly differentiate UTC from local time. For example:
Expiration Date/Time:
15 JAN 2018 09:15 CST

(15 JAN 2018 15:15 UTC)
OR
2018-01-15 23:15 CST

(2018-01-15 15:15 UTC)
Note: It is recognized that local time zone designations may have little meaning
internationally since two time zones may have the same abbreviation [e.g., CST can be
China Standard Time (UTC+08 hours) or Central Standard Time in North America (UTC-
06 hours)]. However, the Cellular Therapy Coding and Labeling Advisory Group
(CTCLAG) believe that local time zones are more readily interpreted within a continent.
For products shipped to different continents, UTC should be used to interpret time.
The Flexible Date and Time [Data Structure 031] allows the UTC to be encoded. With
the right software, the local date and time can be calculated from the UTC. For additional
information on use, see Implementation Guide: Use of Flexible Date and Time [Data
Structure 031] (IG-024).

6.6 Text Not Associated with Electronically Readable

Information
Text not associated with electronically readable information includes warnings (e.g., Do
Not Irradiate) and information, such as the name of the intended recipient.
The placement of this information is not internationally standardized but may be

nationally standardized. Users should review national documents for additional
information.
If not nationally defined, facilities may add additional text to the label where space
permits and there is a need. While the placement of this information is not standardized,
examples in Chapter 7 provide some suggestions.
6.7 Global Registration Identifier for Donors

When printed in an eye-readable format, the GRID shall be divided into five blocks of
4,4,4,4,3 to assist manual transcription.
Spacing between the blocks shall be sufficient to ensure the blocks are clearly
separated.
The GRID shall be printed in a font that allows differentiation between similar letters and
digits (e.g., 0 and O, 1 and I).
An example of the full GRID eye-readable format is shown below.
When printed on a product label, the GRID shall be preceded with the uppercase letters
GRID and a colon (i.e., GRID:) and placed in the upper right quadrant. See an example
of the eye-readable GRID in Section 7, Figure 20.
GRID: 9991 0120 7043 3201 632

7 Label Examples
The following labels are provided as examples only. National regulations and appropriate
standards must be consulted to ensure full compliance with requirements.
7.1 Full 100 mm x 100 mm Label

Figure 15 Collection Label

Figure 16 Label at Time of Release of Product (Designated)
Figure 17 Label at Time of Release of Product (Autologous Biohazard)

Figure 18 Label at Time of Release of Product (Autologous, Not Biohazard)
Note: This example shows both linear bar codes and a

2-D symbol. When space allows, this may be desirable.
Linear bar codes are useful if the product is shipped to
a facility that does not have imaging scanners; 2-D
symbols are more efficient since all information is
entered with a single scan.

Figure 19 Flexible Date and Time
Figure 20 GRID in Eye-Readable Text Only

Figure 21 GRID in Linear Bar Code and Eye-Readable Text
Figure 22 GRID in 2-D Symbol and Eye-Readable Text

7.2 Labeling Containers Smaller than 100 mm x 100 mm

Figure 23 48 mm x 76 mm Final Label (Designated)
Figure 24 48 mm x 76 mm Final Label (Autologous Biohazard)
Note: With linear bar codes, there is not enough space to include Attribute text.

Figure 25 96 mm x 38 mm Final Label (Designated)
Figure 26 96 mm x 38 mm Final Label (Autologous, Biohazard)
Note: With linear bar codes, there is not enough space to include Attribute text.

Figure 27 Cryo Vial Label
This label is 38 mm wide x 19 mm high. “Recipient Identification” has been abbreviated “RID.”
Figure 28 Other Small Labels
These labels are 50 mm wide x 44 mm high.

8 Glossary
General Terminology Used in ISBT 128 Coding and Labeling
Data Content The characters in a data structure that encode the information for which the
data structure is named. The data content does not include the data
identifier. (The Donation Identification Number is an exception to this rule.)
Data Identifier The first two or three characters in a data structure that identify the data
structure. These will always be present when the data structure is used as a
bar code, but may be omitted when the data structure is used in situations in
which the data structure identity is unambiguously and explicitly defined. [The
Donation Identification Number is an exception to this rule. The second
character of the data identifier can never be dropped because it is also part
of the data content. See ISBT 128 Standard Technical Specification (ST-
001).]
Data Structure Information content comprising the data identifier and data content. When a
data structure is represented as a bar code, the term data structure does not
include the symbology-specific and always present start and stop codes, the
modulo 103 check character, or any specified control characters.
Label An independent entity that may carry one or more bar codes and also
provides eye-readable information about the product.
Affixed Label A label that adheres in physical contact with the product
container.
Attached Label A label that is fastened securely to the product container by

means of a tie-tag or comparable alternative.
Accompanying Documentation containing product information that is

Documentation together with the product, or is available to the appropriate
individual(s) electronically, but is not affixed or attached to
the product.
Base Label The label placed on a container by a manufacturer. It

carries the manufacturer’s identity, the catalog number of
the container (or container set), and the lot number of the
container (or container set) encoded as ISBT 128 data
structures.
Final Label Labeling as it appears on a product ready for release to

another entity or for administration to a recipient.
Partial Label A label that because of size or other constraints does not
contain all the required information.
Product Label Labeling applied to a product at various stages of

processing by cellular therapy facilities.

UTC Coordinated Universal Time, similar to GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), marks
the starting point of every time zone in the World. UTC does not change
based on daylight saving (summer) time; thus, the relationship of local time
to UTC changes if daylight saving (summer) time is observed.
Terminology Used in ISBT 128 Donation Numbering

Donation Identification Number + Flag Characters + Check Character
Donation Identification Number
Donation A thirteen-character code that identifies products from a single donation

Identification event. This identifier allows each donation event to be uniquely identified
Number (DIN) globally for a period of 100 years. The DIN comprises three elements: the
Facility Identification Number (FIN), DIN year code, and DIN sequence
number.
Facility A five-character alphanumeric code assigned to facilities licensed to use

Identification ISBT 128 by ICCBBA. The code provides a globally unique identifier that
Number is an essential element of a Donation Identification Number.
(FIN)
DIN Year A two-character numeric code assigned by the facility that is used to
Code ensure uniqueness of a Donation Identification Number for a period of 100
years.
DIN A six-character numeric code assigned by a facility as part of the Donation

Sequence Identification Number to ensure unique identification of each donation
Number event.
Flag Character Part of the data content of a data structure used in process control or data
transmission checking. For ISBT 128, flag characters are used with the
Donation Identification Number. Printed in eye-readable format, but
distinguished in some manner from the representation of the other data
characters.

Check Character A character used to ensure the accuracy of data. The value is calculated
based on an algorithm applied to the data. Examples are the modulo 103
check character internal to Code 128 and the ISO/IEC 7064 modulo 37-2
check character appended to text that verifies accurate keyboard entry.
Terminology Used in Product Coding
Product Code
S12124A0
Product Description Division
Code Code
Collection Type
Code
Product Code An eight-character ISBT 128 code that comprises the Product Description
Code, a Collection Type Code, and a Division Code. The Product Code
makes each product from a collection unique. This is the Data Content for
the Product Code Data Structure.
Product A five-character alphanumeric code assigned to each unique product type

Description listed in the ISBT 128 database.
Code
Collection A one-character alphanumeric code indicating the type of collection (e.g.,

Type Code autologous, directed, or designated).
Division A two-character code that uniquely identifies multiple products with the
Code same Product Description Code and Donation Identification Number.

9 Annex – Joint Statement

Labeling of Cellular Therapy Products: Isbt 128 Standard

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ISBT 128 STANDARD

Labeling of Cellular Therapy

John Armitage, Prof., BSc, PhD United Kingdom

Paul Ashford, MSc. CEng. CSci. ICCBBA

Wayne Bolton, B.App.Sc., M.App.Sc Australia

Suzanne Butch, MA, MT(ASCP)SBB United States of America

Erwin Cabana, BA ICCBBA

Mónica Freire, BS ICCBBA

Jørgen Georgsen, MD Denmark

Mario Muon, MD Portugal

Stefan Poniatowski, BSc, MIBMS Australia

Leigh Sims Poston, BS, MT(ASCP) United States of America

Ineke Slaper-Cortenbach, PhD The Netherlands

Zbigniew Szczepiorkowski, MD, PhD United States of America

Izabela Uhrynowska-Tyszkiewicz, MD, PhD Poland

© 2012-2018 ICCBBA, All rights reserved www.iccbba.org

Warranty Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability

© 2012-2018 ICCBBA, All rights reserved www.iccbba.org

© 2012-2018 ICCBBA, All rights reserved www.iccbba.org

© 2012-2018 ICCBBA, All rights reserved www.iccbba.org

1.3 Intended Audience

1.4 Normative References

ISO 8601:2004(E): Data elements and interchange formats — Information interchange

1.5 Other References

© 2012-2018 ICCBBA, All rights reserved www.iccbba.org

© 2012-2018 ICCBBA, All rights reserved www.iccbba.org

Representatives from these organizations, as well as additional technical experts and

Standard terminology will help to ensure a common understanding of product definitions.

• Unique global identification of cellular therapy products

1.7 Changes in This Version

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21 6.3.3 6.4 Added the text “or Approved abbreviations

© 2012-2018 ICCBBA, All rights reserved www.iccbba.org

© 2012-2018 ICCBBA, All rights reserved www.iccbba.org

• Donation Identification Number [Data Structure 001]

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3 General Labeling Considerations

• The base label that is applied by the manufacturer of the container.

The following general principles apply to label design:

3.2 Label Size

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3.3 Minimum Requirements for ISBT 128 Labels

• Electronically readable Donation Identification Number (DIN). If a 2-D symbol is

• The eye-readable Donation Identification Number, flag characters when required

• The product Class name.

Figure 1 Minimum ISBT 128 Information

3.4 Other Minimum Label Requirements

Figure 2 Minimum ISBT 128 Requirements and Additional Information – Linear

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Figure 3 Minimum ISBT 128 Requirements and Additional Information – 2-D

3.5 National Labeling Guidelines

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4 Electronically Readable Symbols

Figure 4 Comparison of 2-D and Linear Bar Codes

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5 Bar Code and 2-D Symbol Placement

Table 1 Positioning Bar Codes on the Base Labels [RT020]

Bar Code Vertical Alignment Horizontal Alignment

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Figure 5 Placement and Nominal Size of Bar Codes on Base Label

Manufacturer’s Bar Codes