Background
Fresenius Kabi +RFID products utilize Global GS1 standards—recognized as the most widely adopted identification standards globally—to encode essential drug information in our RFID-enabled products. Each RFID tag contains four critical data elements: NDC, a 14-digit serial number, lot number, and expiration date. This structure enables any vendor to accurately read and use this vital information. For those preferring alternative methods, we also offer the option to transmit this data electronically. Partners such as Intelliguard, Healthcare Logistics, Cencora, and Marble AI retrieve this information directly from our tags, while Bluesight requires that data be transmitted through an interface and uploaded into their registry prior to product access.
Issue
Bluesight has recently communicated that their KitCheck system will, moving forward, only support Fresenius Kabi +RFID products if the lot number and expiration date are excluded from the RFID tag—data relied upon by numerous other RFID vendors. Beginning November 2025, Bluesight customers will lose access to these products unless this change is implemented. Adopting this request would necessitate providing lot and expiration data solely through interfaces or manual entry, although the majority of our partners prefer direct, validated data from the tag and do not wish to utilize interfaces. We believe this requirement undermines competitive practice and, therefore, cannot comply with Bluesight’s request.
The Importance of Interoperability
As a global pharmaceutical manufacturer, Fresenius Kabi is committed to producing products accessible to all vendors and customers. Our mission, “Committed to Life,” is focused on enhancing the lives of critically and chronically ill patients by supplying affordable, accessible, and innovative healthcare solutions. One of our guiding principles is to “bring healthcare innovation to people,” and our vendor policy prohibits non-competitive practices. Excluding critical data such as lot number and expiration date limits the usability of our products for vendors and customers who rely on direct tag reading. We will not require Bluesight’s competitors to invest in new interfaces and IT infrastructure for data access, as this could increase costs, reduce competition, and hinder innovation among companies seeking to utilize RFID similarly to barcode technology. Maintaining open interoperability is essential to ensuring compatibility across the healthcare supply chain.
Recommended Actions
Bluesight customers who wish to continue using Fresenius Kabi +RFID products are encouraged to contact Bluesight customer service at help@bluesight.com or call 844-548-2432. Let them know you want to have choice in what RFID products you purchase.