Zebra · Healthcare handheld 1D/2D barcode scanner

Zebra DS4608 HC Barcode Scanner

The healthcare version of Zebra's DS4608: a corded high-density 1D/2D imager in a white, disinfectant-ready housing with an LED aimer, for hospital wards, pharmacies, labs and blood banks.

Housing
Healthcare White, disinfectant-ready
Aimer
Green LED, 528 nm (no laser)
Smallest codes
Code 39 2 mil · Data Matrix 4 mil
Feedback
Beeper · LEDs · vibration
Interfaces
USB · RS232 · IBM 46XX
Rugged
IP52 · 1.8 m drops

DS4608-HC price in India: ask our team for today's competitive price. Share your requirement and budget, and we will help you choose the right configuration and send a written quotation with current pricing and delivery time.

Covered by the manufacturer's warranty. The warranty period, terms and conditions are as declared by Zebra.

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Zebra DS4608-HC healthcare barcode scanner in white with blue-grey trim, three-quarter view

Why the DS4608-HC

Made for wards, pharmacies and labs

The DS4608-HC is the healthcare model of Zebra's DS4600 Series. It uses the high-density DS4608 imager with white illumination and a green LED aimer, in a housing that can be wiped with the disinfectants Zebra lists.

Disinfectant-ready housing

The Healthcare White housing is made to be wiped with the disinfectants listed in Zebra's guide. Screw holes and speaker holes are covered, the window is recessed, and the unit is sealed to IP52.

LED aimer, no laser

The aimer is a circular 528 nm green LED, not a laser. Zebra says the LED aimer lets the scanner be used across the hospital, including the NICU, where laser aimers are not advised.

Quiet feedback for night shifts

Staff can use the beeper, good-decode LEDs, the Direct Decode Indicator or vibration. In night mode, a quick trigger press switches between beep and vibration.

Reads tiny codes on vials and syringes

High-density optics read Code 39 down to 2 mil and Data Matrix down to 4 mil, on vials, IV bags and syringes. Two warm-white LEDs help with colour-coded specimen trays and biopsy cassettes.

Parses UDI, GS1 and blood-bag labels

Zebra's UDI Scan+, Label Parse+ and Blood Bag Parse+ send only the fields your software needs, such as batch and expiry date. Preferred Symbol outputs only the chosen barcode when several sit side by side.

Built for a busy ward

Designed for multiple 1.8 m drops to concrete and 2,000 tumbles at 0.5 m, with a double-sealed optical system. Rated to work from 0 °C to 50 °C.

Used in

  • Hospital wards and nursing stations
  • Hospital and retail pharmacies
  • Pathology and diagnostic laboratories
  • Blood banks
  • Operation theatres and CSSD
  • Clinics and outpatient desks

For buyers in India

Using the DS4608-HC in India

These are the points buyers in India ask us about the DS4608-HC. Mention the ones that apply to you when you request a quote.

Reads the barcode or QR code on medicine labels

A hospital pharmacy's DS4608-HC reads whichever code a medicine label carries, barcode or QR code. It reads a 20 mil QR from 0 to 34.3 cm and Data Matrix down to 4 mil.

Collects GTIN, batch and expiry in one pass

Where a carton carries several GS1 or UDI barcodes, the DS4608-HC's UDI Scan+ and Label Parse+ collect the GTIN, batch and expiry in one pass. They send them in the order your hospital software expects. Medicines and devices barcoded through GS1 India carry GTINs starting with 890.

Runs from a ward PC's USB port

A ward PC or a computer on wheels with a powered USB port can run the DS4608-HC, with no mains adapter by the bedside. It takes 4.5-5.5 V DC from the host and draws about 375 mA while scanning, under the 500 mA of a USB 2.0 port (about 1.9 W at 5 V). Zebra lists the HC as DS4608-HC4000BZZWW; its guide has no India-only HC part number.

Specifications

Zebra DS4608-HC technical specifications

Zebra DS4608-HC specifications
General
Decode Capability 1D, 2D
Connectivity Corded
Color Healthcare White
Input Voltage Range 4.5 to 5.5 VDC Host Powered; 4.5 to 5.5 VDC External Power Supply
Current Operating 375 mA typical at 5.0 V; standby 150 mA typical
User Indicators Direct Decode Indicator, Good Decode LEDs, rear view LEDs, beeper (adjustable tone and volume), haptic/vibration
Approved Cleaners Disinfectant Ready. Refer to the product reference guide for the complete list of approved cleaners.
Scanning
Image Sensor 1280 × 800 pixels
Imager Field of View 35° H × 22° V nominal
Light Source Aiming Pattern: circular 528 nm true green LED
Illumination (2) warm white LED’s
Minimum Print Contrast 15% minimum reflective difference
Skew/Pitch/Roll Skew ±60°; pitch ±60°; roll 0-360°
1D Code 39, Code 128, Code 93, Codabar/NW7, Code 11, MSI Plessey, UPC/EAN, I 2 of 5, Korean 3 of 5, GS1 DataBar, Base 32 (Italian Pharma)
2D PDF417, Micro PDF417, Composite Codes, TLC-39, Aztec, DataMatrix, MaxiCode, QR Code, Micro QR, Han Xin, Postal Codes, SecurPharm
Minimum element resolution Code 39: 2.0 mil; Data Matrix: 4.0 mil
Decode ranges Code 39 3 mil: 3.3-15.2 cm; Code 39 5 mil: 0.3-29.2 cm; Code 39 20 mil: 1.5-73.7 cm; Code 128 5 mil: 4.3-12.7 cm; PDF417 6.7 mil: 1.5-23.6 cm; UPC 13 mil: 0-45.7 cm; Data Matrix 10 mil: 0.5-24.1 cm; QR 20 mil: 0-34.3 cm
Graphics Format Images can be exported as Bitmap, JPEG or TIFF
Connectivity
Supported Host Interfaces USB, RS232, TGCS (IBM) 46XX over RS485
Keyboard Support Supports over 90 international keyboards
Cables Auto-host-detect cables
Physical and environment
Dimensions 6.5 in. H × 2.6 in. W × 3.9 in. D; 16.5 cm H × 6.7 cm W × 9.8 cm D
Weight 5.7 oz. / 161.9 g
Operating Temperature 32.0° to 122.0° F / 0.0° to 50.0° C
Storage Temperature -40.0° to 158.0° F / -40.0° to 70.0° C
Humidity 5% to 95% RH, non-condensing
Drop Specification Designed to withstand multiple drops at 6.0 ft./1.8 m to concrete
Tumble Specification Designed to withstand 2,000 tumbles in 1.5 ft./0.5 m tumbler
Environmental Sealing IP52
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) ESD per EN61000-4-2, +/-15 KV Air, +/-8 KV Direct, +/-8 KV Indirect
Ambient Light Immunity 0 to 10,000 foot candles/0 to 107,000 Lux
Regulatory
Environmental 2011/65/EU and EN 50581:2012 and EN IEC 63000:2018
Electrical Safety UL 60950-1, second edition, CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60950-1-07. EN 60950-1:2006/A2:2013; IEC 60950-1:2005/A2:2013; IEC 62368-1 (ed.2); EN 62368-1:2014
LED Safety IEC 62471:2006 (Ed.1.0); EN 62471:2008
EMI/RFI FCC: 47 CFR Part 15, Subpart B, Class B; ICES-003 Issue 6, Class B; EN 55032, Class B; EN 55024; EN 55035; EN 60601-1-2:2015; IEC 60601-1-2:2014
Software
123Scan Creates configuration barcodes, updates firmware and stages many scanners
Scanner Management Service (SMS) Configures and updates firmware on scanners plugged into a host, remotely
Data parsing UDI Scan+, Label Parse+ and Blood Bag Parse+ (set up in 123Scan)
Scanner SDK Drivers, test utilities and sample source code
Warranty
Warranty Covered by the manufacturer's warranty. The warranty period, terms and conditions are as declared by Zebra.

Optional accessories

  • Interface cable (USB, RS232 or IBM 46XX)
  • Gooseneck Intellistand, HC White (20-71043-0BR)
  • Cup, HC White (21-71043-0BR)
  • 5.2 V universal power supply, if the host cannot power the scanner

Ask for the interface cable and an HC White stand or cup in the same quotation.

Specifications from Zebra's published documents, last checked 13 October 2026. Makers can change specifications without notice; we confirm the exact model and configuration in your written quotation. About our product information

More detail

More about the Zebra DS4608-HC

Scan it all with virtually no exceptions

In hospitals, there is no room for error. Zebra says the DS4608-HC is packed with features that ensure "instant and accurate first-time, every-time decoding of virtually any barcode" found at the point-of-care, pharmacy and lab. Workers can choose between haptic/vibration, a good decode LED that’s easy to see from any position, a traditional beep tone with adjustable volume and frequency, and Zebra’s Direct Decode Indicator that projects the illumination on the barcode. In night mode, a quick press of the trigger toggles between an audible beep and vibration. Healthcare workers instantly know that a medicine vial, wristband or specimen sample was properly scanned—while disturbing patients as little as possible.

Safe LED aimer is easy on the eyes

Zebra says that, thanks to a highly visible and safe LED-based aimer, the DS4608-HC can be used throughout the hospital—including the NICU where the use of laser aimers is not advised.

On-the-fly switching between handheld and hands-free scanning

In the lab and pharmacy, some tasks may be better suited for handheld scanning and others for hands-free. With the DS4608-HC, switching modes is fast and easy. Simply place the scanner in the optional presentation stand to automatically switch to hands-free mode; then pick up the scanner for handheld mode. The result? Peak efficiency—your staff is free to use whichever mode is optimal for the task at hand.

Single out one barcode from many

Zebra’s Preferred Symbol simplifies and error-proofs data capture on blood bags and other items containing multiple barcodes. Zebra calls it an innovative feature: it captures and outputs only the preferred barcode, so your busy healthcare staff no longer has to waste time physically covering nearby barcodes before scanning.

Capture multiple barcodes with one press of the scan trigger

With Multi-Code Data Formatting (MDF), the DS4608-HC can scan multiple barcodes with a single trigger pull and transmit only the barcodes you need, in the order your application expects.

Easy to sanitize—with the durability you need for daily use

Designed for use at the point-of-care, the DS4608-HC features a disinfectant-ready housing that can handle regular sanitizing with popular disinfectants. Screw holes and speaker holes are covered to mitigate the build up of bacteria. IP52 sealing protects against spills, while a patented double-sealed optical system protects the critical optical components from dust and liquid—ensuring that the ‘eye’ of the scanner always captures the sharpest possible barcode image for fast and reliable decoding. The recessed scan window protects against smudges, dirt and scratches, which can impact performance. And the scanner is built to survive multiple 6 ft./1.8 m drops to concrete and 2,000 tumbles in Zebra’s tumble test.

Flexible feedback modes—including night mode with vibrate

The DS4608-HC provides a feedback mode for every environment and situation.

Compare

DS4608-HC or another model?

Zebra DS4608-HC compared with similar models
Feature Zebra DS4608-HC Zebra DS4608 (SR / HD) Zebra DS8208-HC / DS8288-HC
Image sensor 1280 × 800 1280 × 800 1600 × 1200
Aimer Circular 528 nm green LED Circular 617 nm amber LED Circular 524 nm green LED
Smallest Code 39 / Data Matrix 2.0 / 4.0 mil SR 3.0 / 5.0 mil; HD 2.0 / 4.0 mil 3.0 / 5.0 mil
Housing Healthcare White, disinfectant-ready Twilight Black or Nova White Disinfectant-ready (HC version)
Connection Corded Corded Corded or cordless (Bluetooth 5.2)
Best for Bedside, pharmacy and lab scanning Retail counters and pharmacy billing Newer 2 MP model, or a cordless healthcare scanner

Exploring for a different use?

If your job differs from what the DS4608-HC is built for, these Zebra models may fit it better:

  • Buyers who are equipping a retail or pharmacy billing counter rather than a ward or lab often look at the Zebra DS4608 (Twilight Black or Nova White, up to 71.1 cm in the SR version).
  • Buyers who need a cordless healthcare scanner, or a newer 2 MP model, often look at the Zebra DS8208-HC / DS8288-HC (2 MP, corded or cordless (Bluetooth 5.2), disinfectant-ready HC version).

Not sure which one fits? Tell us how you will use it and we will recommend a model.

Downloads

Datasheet and documents

Questions buyers ask

DS4608-HC FAQ

What is the price of the Zebra DS4608-HC in India?

The DS4608-HC price depends on the cable or accessories you need and the quantity. Ask our team for today's competitive price: share your requirement and budget, and we will help you choose the right configuration and send a written quotation with current pricing and delivery time.

Which disinfectants can we use on the DS4608-HC?

Zebra's DS4608 reference guide lists a 10% bleach solution (0.55% sodium hypochlorite), 3% hydrogen peroxide, mild dish soap, and named wipes such as Clorox Healthcare Bleach Germicidal Disinfectant Wipes and Sani-Cloth Bleach Wipes. Dampen a cloth or use a wipe, never spray liquid directly onto the scanner, and dry the window afterwards.

Why choose the HC model over a standard DS4608?

The HC has a white disinfectant-ready housing with covered screw and speaker holes, a green rather than amber LED aimer, vibration feedback with a night mode, and warm-white illumination for colour-coded trays. It uses high-density optics (Code 39 to 2 mil, Data Matrix to 4 mil) for small labels on vials and syringes.

Can it read the QR codes now printed on medicines in India?

Yes. The DS4608-HC reads QR Code, Data Matrix down to 4 mil and 1D barcodes, so it reads the barcode or QR code on medicine packs and the QR code on bulk-drug (API) labels. It sends the decoded text to your pharmacy or hospital software; any check against the manufacturer's data is done there.

Is there a cordless DS4608-HC?

Zebra's DS4600 Series for Healthcare spec sheet covers the corded DS4608-HC only. For a cordless healthcare scanner, Zebra offers the DS8288-HC in its newer DS82 Series, with Bluetooth 5.2 and a disinfectant-ready housing. Tell us whether staff move between beds or work at a fixed station when you ask for a quote.

Can it read one barcode on a label crowded with several?

Yes. Zebra's Preferred Symbol feature outputs only the barcode you choose, so staff do not need to cover nearby codes on blood bags or specimen labels.

Can Allmark install the DS4608-HC and connect it to our software?

Yes. We install the DS4608-HC at your site, set it to send data the way your ERP, warehouse or billing software expects (our own warehouse management system included) and train your team. Tell us the software when you ask for a quote, and we include the setup in the quotation.

Get a written DS4608-HC quote, set up for your software

Send what you scan, where you scan it and the software it feeds; we reply with a written quotation.

Since 2014 · 2000+ customers · 75,000+ devices installed · On-site installation & training · Software & ERP integration