Zebra DS4608-HC | Healthcare Corded 1D/2D Scanner | PRZM | Night Mode | NICU-Safe LED | Disinfectant-Ready | HC White | Scanner Only
Overview
The Zebra DS4608-HC is the definitive corded barcode scanner for hospital-wide use. From patient wristbands at admissions to medication verification at the bedside, IV bag scanning in the ward, specimen tracking in the lab, and dispensing in the pharmacy — this is a single scanner that handles every data capture task in a clinical environment without compromise.
Powered by an 800 MHz microprocessor, a high-resolution 1280×800 megapixel sensor, and Zebra's PRZM Intelligent Imaging, it reads virtually any barcode — even tiny, curved codes on syringes and medication vials — at first pass, every time. The HC White disinfectant-ready housing withstands regular sanitization with popular hospital disinfectants, with sealed speaker and screw holes to prevent bacterial buildup. The safe green LED aimer (not a laser) means it can be used in the NICU where laser aimers are contraindicated.
This is the Scanner Only configuration (DS4608-HC4000BVZWW). A compatible USB or RS-232 cable must be ordered separately.
Note: The EAN provided by the distributor for this SKU is 8596375197626.
Key Specifications
| Scanning Technology | PRZM Intelligent Imaging | 1280 × 800 megapixel sensor | 35° H × 22° V FOV | 800 MHz microprocessor |
| Symbologies | 1D & 2D: QR, DataMatrix, PDF417, Aztec, MaxiCode, SecurPharm, GS1, UPC/EAN, Code 128, Han Xin, Postal Codes and more |
| Illumination | White LEDs — ideal for color-coded specimen trays, biopsy cassettes, and blood bags |
| Aimer | Green LED (528 nm circular) — NICU-safe, no laser |
| Night Mode | One trigger press toggles audible beep → silent vibration-only — avoids disturbing sleeping patients |
| Housing | Disinfectant-ready HC White antimicrobial housing | Sealed speaker + screw holes — no bacterial harboring |
| Sealing | IP52 — dust protection, protected against dripping water |
| User Indicators | Vibration motor + good decode LED + rear-view LEDs + beeper (adjustable) + Direct Decode Indicator |
| Multi-Code Features | Preferred Symbol (captures only desired barcode from multi-barcode label) | Multi-Code Data Formatting (MDF) |
| Connectivity | USB, RS-232, TGCS IBM 46xx over RS-485 | Auto-host detect cable |
| Scan Modes | Handheld trigger + Hands-free presentation (with optional stand) |
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 66 × 99 mm |
| Color | HC White (Healthcare White) |
| Management | Zebra DataCapture DNA — 123Scan, Remote Diagnostics, SMS |
| Warranty | 5-year standard manufacturer warranty |
| In the Box | Scanner only — cable required (USB shielded: CBA-U21-S07ZBR recommended) |
| Part Number | DS4608-HC4000BVZWW |
| EAN | 8596375197626 |
Use Cases
Medication Administration & Verification: Reads tiny, curved barcodes on medication vials, syringes, and IV bags. Multi-Code Data Formatting captures all relevant GS1 fields from a single label in one trigger pull.
Patient Wristband Scanning: Night Mode switches to silent vibration for bedside scanning without waking patients. The NICU-safe LED aimer is safe for use in neonatal intensive care units.
Lab & Specimen Tracking: White illumination LEDs read barcodes on color-coded specimen trays and biopsy cassettes without interference from color contrast issues that affect standard red LED scanners.
Pharmacy Dispensing: SecurPharm 2D serialisation codes, GS1 DataBar, and standard 1D codes are all captured reliably. Preferred Symbol avoids accidental scanning of adjacent barcodes on multi-barcode pharmacy packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the DS4608-HC safe for the NICU when other scanners are not?
The DS4608-HC uses a green LED aimer (528 nm), not a laser. Laser aimers in standard barcode scanners can cause retinal damage if directed at the eyes of premature infants in the NICU. The LED-based aimer produces a bright, visible aiming line without the concentrated coherent light of a laser, making it safe for neonatal care environments.
What disinfectants can be used on the DS4608-HC housing?
The HC White housing is tested and approved for use with popular hospital-grade disinfectants including bleach-based wipes, alcohol wipes, and quaternary ammonium compounds. Refer to the Zebra DS4608-HC cleaning guide for the full approved disinfectant list, available from Zebra's support documentation.
What is Preferred Symbol and when is it used?
Preferred Symbol is a Zebra feature that instructs the DS4608-HC to capture only a specific barcode from a label containing multiple barcodes — for example, only the GTIN from a medication label that also contains a lot number, expiry date, and serial number. This prevents accidental scans of adjacent codes and eliminates the need for staff to physically cover other barcodes before scanning.
Does the DS4608-HC come with a cable?
No. The DS4608-HC4000BVZWW is the Scanner Only configuration. A compatible interface cable is required. The recommended USB shielded cable is CBA-U21-S07ZBR (7 ft). RS-232 and IBM 46xx cables are also available.