A client recently discussed the idea of identifying patients and patient-related materials with bar codes and how you might do that with Filemaker Go in the iPad.IOS:

This from thew Filemaker Technical Developer forum:

Module 13 in the Filemaker 11 Training Series has a demonstration technique for using pic2shop (free app) as a barcode reader and receiving the resulting barcode back as an input to a Filemaker Go database via a script to open the scan app with open URL, this call to pic2shop includes the callback script with the result, and passes the barcode back as a parameter to the “process results” script

This uses the camera on the iphone (ipod touch for cheaper/more replaceable option?, ballistic case to protect the device?) as the “barcode scanner” and may achieve what you require.

I downloaded the free version of the app –>

ShopSavvy (Barcode Scanner and QR Code Reader)
By ShopSavvy, Inc.

and scanned in a random product Bar code from a package I had on my desk. I had on my desk with my iPad:

The aforementioned article gives the programming goblegook for grabbing the number from scan and returning it to Filemaker Go.

Passing Data Between FileMaker Go and other iOS Applications

One very powerful feature of FileMaker Go is its ability to pass data to and receive data from other iOS applications. Just as plug-ins can be used to extend the capabilities of FileMaker Pro on the desktop, the FMP7Script URL scheme feature extends the capabilities of FileMaker Go by allowing FileMaker Go to use a URL to open and pass data to another application. Likewise, other iOS applications can open and pass data into a FileMaker Go script.

and
URL Syntax

The original fmp7:/// URL scheme was enhanced for FileMaker Go so that in addition to being able to open a file, a specific script can be called and data can be passed into the script as optional parameters. There are several forms of the new URL scheme that cause FileMaker Go to behave in different ways:

FMP7Script:///?script=[&param=] [&<$name>=]

This form of the URL causes FileMaker Go to look for and open (if not already open) a remote FileMaker file. Then the named script must be in that file. Once the file is opened, it will look for and execute the script specified in the URL.

FMP7Script://$/?script=[&param=] [&<$name>=]

This form of the URL causes FileMaker Go to look for the named script in a file by the given name that is already open.

FMP7Script://~/?script=[&param=] [&<$name>=]

This form of the URL causes FileMaker Go to look for and potentially open a file with the specified name from over the network or on the local device in the Documents directory. Then the named script must be in that file.

—> snip / and on and on
Bottom line:
A bar code can be created by any MRN and added to labels for example
i would use 6barcode by SixFriedRice: http://sixfriedrice.com/wp/products/6barcode/
From a Custom Jewelry database I created that created and used bar codes:

Labels can be affixed to Reports, Printouts, Pets, Products, anything you like.
The Jewelry maker bought a label printer expressly for this purpose and the label was customized.
Kaiser now has bar codes on wrist IDs for admitted patients for proper identification.
Applicable to so many needs.
Setup would not be too difficult.

MACC signing out.