How to protect medical test reports using QR code-based tamper proof technology?

tamper proof technology

Introduction: What do QR codes do to protect documents?

One of the problems most common in today’s interactive world is the fear of data fraud because most of this interaction happens online. Especially in sensitive documents, which are vulnerable to the multitudes of ways people can hack and leak data for their benefit. The one fit-all solution to the problem of document fraud is to use QR codes. Since we are talking about medical reports more than fraud, the chances of human error are more common, and these errors can cost someone their life. So, dealing with authentication in the case of medical test reports is a good idea.

QR codes used paired with blockchain technology can be just the thing that will help people deal with anxieties over their documents being tampered with. Blockchain is arguably providing robust environments for sharing data. Security is ensured and guaranteed in real-time. Blockchain technology is one of the most trusted because of its decentralized nature. The unique system detects the slightest movements within the chain while tracking them and reporting them to the users, no matter how many participants. The process is transparent and secured.

How can QR codes be used in making medical reports tamperproof?

For the patients’ medical health and information:

Information about the patients can be kept on record and then scanned and read whenever necessary, thus reducing medical malpractice risks. Another way of using quick response codes to make the process even more transparent is by placing such codes in an area that everyone can access and then redirect them to resources about the procedures to be done immediately. Once the diagnosis is known, this could be helpful. The doctor thus needs to spend less time with each patient because they already have all the information.

QR codes used in the test reports generated for patients:

Getting tests done is the first thing that needs to be done before even a diagnosis can be arrived at. The reports thus generated are significant in determining the future treatment of the patient. Making medical reports tamperproof is the smartest thing medical institutions can do. Not only because of the fear of human errors in medicine but also in cases of fraud or malicious intent. Once we can make sure that after being generated, no third party can make any change in a report without indicating the slightest difference to anyone who scans the code, solves many issues, and does away with many confusions and risks.

QR code used in health and asset tracking:

QR codes in the patient’s reports, medical bracelet and connected datasheets can help to map the journey of a patient’s health. Especially in such cases where a patient or a recovering person is quarantined, QR codes on their documents can be an invaluable tool for medical health professionals to track the health status of said patient(s). In the wake of the COVID 19 pandemic, the Chinese Government used colour-coded QR codes to alert caregivers regarding the current status of the patients concerning the degree of the infection. QR Codes should be leveraged for regularly tracking a patient’s medicine requirements, health status, dietary instructions, tests, and the like.

A lot of the assets like equipment, test samples and other tools need tracking in medical institutions. This is of particular importance in medical institutions because even the smallest of errors and mismanagement can lead to dire consequences and even cost a patient’s life. Medical equipment is curated with difficulty, extremely expensive and even harder to retrieve. The traditional methods of doing inventory are very labour intensive, time and space consuming and prone to errors. One can use QR codes to keep track of and manage assets that tackle these issues. One can track equipment in real-time, and do inventory well without problems. These codes can also be programmed to update numbers and alert the users and operators if an emergency presents itself. Implementation of QR codes can save a lot of resources by eliminating the use of expensive scanning devices.

Use of QR code in gathering and confirmation of patient information

Healthcare professionals must have correct information about the patient’s health condition and medical history, especially in emergency first responders. There are many cases when patients die because their caregivers weren’t wise concerning their current medical status. Uncoordinated care is not just life-threateningly dangerous, but it’s also costly. QR codes are the more straightforward way of obtaining a patient’s history to maintain authenticity. Using medical tags, bracelets, documents, and folders with QR codes embedded makes the whole process efficient, convenient, and straightforward.

Conclusion: Recent use of QR codes in COVID 19 reports

The necessity to have test reports be tamper proof in recent times is somehow also brought into regular people’s everyday lives. This is because of the anxieties around COVID 19, the rumours being circulated, and the widespread misinformation surrounding the virus, which is making life more difficult for doctors and other medical professionals. Some leading diagnostic labs have been trying out QR codes in their COVID 19 reports to help authorities scan and verify these reports online. It supports efficient testing and reporting. Some labs even provide the details of the date of sample collection and allow access to original test reports stored in their company’s secure servers. These new steps promote quality tests and information that are trustworthy and ensure the authenticity of the accounts for people who are travelling.
Given the nature of the economy and the health industry, it seems essential to have trustworthy medical test reports which can enable people to go about their business with minimum hassle and worry.