Which technology uses barcodes to track supplies?

• A. HIPAA
• B. Bar Coding Technology
• C. Wearable Technology
• D. PACS

Answer: (B)

Barcoding technology uses barcodes and scanners to identify items and monitor their movement. In health care, this approach is used to track supplies such as bandages, syringes, gloves, and even medications and equipment. Each item has a barcode that encodes a unique identifier, which links to a database with details like quantity, lot numbers, expiration dates, and location.

When supplies arrive or are used, staff scan the barcodes, updating real-time inventory records. This improves accuracy, helps prevent stockouts and overstock, reduces waste from expired items, and provides traceability for recalls or audits. The result is efficient, reliable control of supplies throughout their lifecycle.

Other options don’t fit this purpose: HIPAA concerns patient privacy and data security, not supply tracking; PACS manages radiology images; wearable technology refers to devices that collect data rather than tracking stock.