RFID Tags Improve Patient Hospital Experience

ThingMagic RFID Readers are deployed to improve the patient experience at the California Cancer Center, where the administration is deplying a comprehensive, integrated RFID solution. ...

... "ThingMagic’s Astra UHF RFID readers are used to relay information from low profile passive RFID tags – located, for example, on a patient ID badge – to centralized applications that retrieve patient information in order to enhance the patient experience. This information includes patient preferences to activate custom hospital room settings - music, lighting, temperature, etc. - and location data that are sent to staff phone displays, allowing clinicians to greet or locate patients quickly. " ...

http://bit.ly/b6XFjP

Clinical RFID Tagging

RFID tag will be used as marker for surgery. ...

... "This device and associated clinical techniques promise a major advance for patients and their doctors. Since lesions can be marked days or weeks prior to surgical biopsy, the scheduling of the localization procedure and surgical procedure can be uncoupled, a great advance in logistics and workflow. Surgeons will have the potential benefit of active intra-operative localizations, and pathologists may be able to use the tag to help guide tissue inspection.

We are hopeful that multiple tags may allow bracketing of lesions. We believe that the SenoRx RFID procedure will also offer the advantages of no radiation and the capacity for the surgeon to inspect the breast pre-operatively at any time after the RFID tag is implanted using the detector/reader in order to confirm that the RFID tag is easily detectable from the skin surface and to help plan the best surgical approach. The detector/reader includes a pencil-like probe that is used intra-operatively to pinpoint the location of the tag. " ...

Via SenoRx: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Tag Device

Healthcare RFID Asset Management

Ascend members can leverage AeroScout RFID solutions in the healthcare asset management space through supply agreement that support consortium procurement. ...

... "The three-year agreement covers AeroScout’s Wi-Fi RTLS healthcare visibility solutions for all ASCEND members. AeroScout’s solutions will leverage ASCEND members’ standard Wi-Fi networks and offer a broad range of applications and capabilities that deliver strong returns for hospital organizations. "

Via AeroScout: ASCEND Program Provider

Implanet RFID Tracks Medical Devices in the Supply Chain

Implanet, a medical device manufacturer, will use IBM RFID sensor tech to enable its BeepNTrack service, which tracks the company's knee and hip implants throughout the healthcare supply chain. ...

... "The company's BeepNTrack service uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags to track medical devices from Implanet to hospitals. Prior to shipping, Implanet affixes an RFID tag bearing a unique serial number to the packaging of each individual device. Before a surgical procedure takes place, a hospital uses a handheld device to scan the tag from the medical device being implanted and stores that information along with the patient's records. The tag is given to the patient after surgery so he or she will have all available information concerning the implant in the event of future concerns. " ...

Via IBM: Software Protects Patients in the Event of Medical Device Recalls

Healthcare RFID Standard approved by ANSI

ANSI approved RFID standard for product identification that perform best in a healthcare environment. ...

... "In ANSI/HIBC 4.0, the Health Industry Business Communications Council (HIBCC, Phoenix) recommends that 13.56 Mhz High Frequency (HF) be adopted for healthcare item-level tagging, specifically because its smaller read range is less likely to result in electromagnetic interference (EMI) with medical devices. " ...

Via HIBC: ANSI Approves RFID Standard

European Healthcare RFID Pilot to Establish Improvement

RFID RTLS Asset Tracking in Healthcare

Awarepoint Corp's Michael Kitchen will present RTLS technologies at the conference this week. ...

... "The presenter will also discuss Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s (WRAMC) decision to implement a hospital-wide RFID asset management system. As one of the largest medical treatment facilities within the Department of Defense, this short term acute care facility is embracing asset tracking technology to further improve business processes and positively impact patient care. " ...

Via AwarePoint: RTLS Asset Management

RFID Sensing Platform

GE Research develops a battery-free sensing platform that exhibits a response to multiple chemicals under various conditions. ...

... "General Electric Company announced a battery-free, multi-detection radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensing platform that could enable a wide range of low cost wireless sensing products in healthcare, security, food packaging, water treatment and pollution prevention. GE's unique RFID sensors are built on traditional RFID tags. " ...

Via MarketWatch: Battery-free, Multi-Detection Wireless Sensors

Healthcare RFID Proof of Concept

RFID Biosensor Smart Material

Coradyn Biosystems is a smart sensor materials company that has licensed a conductive polymer technology from the University of Texas at Austin. The polymer shows potential for use in molecular sensing devices in industry applications, such as RFID or wireless sensing, medical devices and diagnostics, etc. ...

... "Coradyn Biosystems is poised to take advantage of the dynamic biosensor market. The total global market for biosensors and bioelectronics is expected to grow from $6.96 billion in 2006 to $8.2 billion in 2009, at an average
annual growth rate of about 6.3%. Focused on providing advanced materials as an interface between a biological or chemical environment and electronics, the company's key technology is conductive polymeric materials that can be customized to recognize a broad range of analytes and convert that recognition into a measurable electronic signal. Coradyn's proprietary platform is an entirely new label-free detection chemistry, applicable to a number of formats and industries. For clinical laboratory testing, the technology yields results similar to antibody-based assays,
but without the need for these expensive and short-lived biological reagents. Other biomedical applications include personal health monitoring through a hand-held or implanted device. " ...

Via Coradyn Biosystems: Smart Material

RFID Patient Wristband Improves Care

Patients pilot the use of RFID technology to administer medicines at Halifax Health Medical Center. ...

... "This RFID wrist band assists nurses and in health care by automating the process of administering patient medication. " ...

Via Sify: Bartronics RFID

RFID Contrast Delivery Shares Data

Covidien RFID-enabled syringe improves patient safety and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. ...

... "Covidien's contrast delivery system combines its unit-dose Ultraject prefilled contrast media syringes with its Optivantage DH power injectors to provide the only RFID-enabled contrast delivery solution available in North America. RFID is an automatic identification technology that captures, stores and transmits data between the Ultraject syringe and the Optivantage DH power injector using devices called RFID transponders, or tags.

With RFID technology, the system creates an intelligent interface between the contrast media syringe and the power injector that enables radiology technologists to better ensure that each patient receives the prescribed drug and drug dose during a procedure. " ...

Via Covidien: Contrast Delivery System with RFID Approved by FDA

RFID Pharmaceutical Tracking Monitors Location and Status

University of Michigan Health System implements RFID technology to enable tracking of pharmaceutical drug supply for location, status, and replenishment. The system will be enable via an on-site wireless network. ...

... "The Department of Pharmacy Services selected InnerWireless PanGo to help manage the supply and location of pharmacy boxes, which are often stored on highly mobile crash carts. Federal guidelines – from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) – also require that these boxes contain an adequate supply of medications that are not expired. The PanGo platform gives the pharmacy department the capability to monitor the location, as well as replenish supplies and replace soon-to-expire medications in each box more quickly.

PanGo is the first location management platform to aggregate location data from a variety of RTLS and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sources and integrate it into the enterprise in a standards-based way, delivering a cost-optimized, scalable solution. Additionally, PanGo is the only asset-tracking application that provides a seamless, Web-based view of thousands of assets, regardless of the RTLS or RFID technology used to track them. Through this combination of features, PanGo offers a solution specifically designed to give users real-time visibility, alerts and analysis about the location and status of key assets. " ...

Via InnerWireless: University of Michigan Health System Selects Asset Tracking Solution

University of Michigan Facts: "The University of Michigan Health System includes three hospitals, approximately 30 health centers and 120 outpatient clinics, the U-M Medical School and its Faculty Group Practice and the Michigan Health Corp."

2008 Patient Safety Goals

InnerWireless Products: In-Building Wireless: "PanGo Vision is a web-based enterprise asset tracking solution specifically designed to give business users real-time visibility, real-time alerts, and real-time analysis about the location and status of key assets. "

Implant RFID Featured For Diabetics

Verichip implantable RFID chip is featured on FoxNews for use in glucose monitoring in diabetics.

Consumer RFID Education Uses Real World Scenarios

GS1 EPCGlobal creates internet experience to educate consumers on the benefits of RFID through real-life scenarios. ...

... "Thanks to RFID, Mette knows that the nurses will give her mother the blood which is intended for her... " ...

Via discover rfid: GS1 EPCGlobal

RFID Human Implantation Has Healthcare Role For Glucose Monitoring

VeriChip and Digital Angel collaborate to introduce RFID implantation into the glucose monitoring process and will present together on December 4 and 5th in NYC. ...

... "they will host events for the medical and investment communities on December 4-5th in New York surrounding the development of an implantable bio-sensing RFID microchip to measure glucose levels in the human body. Checking blood glucose levels regularly is critical to properly managing diabetes. The conventional method - a finger prick - is invasive, painful and often inaccurate. The implantable bio-sensor chip would have a passive transponder, a sensor and integrated circuitry that could allow anyone implanted with the microchip to painlessly scan it to determine their blood glucose concentration. The RFID microchip would then quickly and accurately transmit the glucose data back to a wireless scanner that displays the glucose level. The RFID microchip would be powered by the scanner signal, avoiding the need for a battery in the microchip. " ...

Via Verichip: Implantable RFID Glucose-Sensing Microchip for Humans

RFID Tracks Locates High Value Hospital Assets

Ship2Save implements RFID location services at Holland hospital to track and locate healthcare pumps. This smart asset tracking process is becoming more critical in the healthcare industry as hospitals leverage advanced systems and technology to provide healthcare services. ...

... "Tergooi hospital, a 330 000 sq-ft medical center in northern Holland, has adopted a Wi-Fi based tracking infrastructure that is assisting them in locating infusion pumps. Installed and integrated by Ship2Save, an RFID solution provider, in collaboration with Ecole Polytechnique, a Montreal based University; the system uses Aeroscout asset tags to monitor movement and usage of intravenous pumps across various locations in the hospital. Tags that are attached to the infusion pumps transmit information to wireless access points throughout the hospital, this information is then forwarded to a location engine platform for analysis. The calculated location is then plotted to a graphical interface that nurses and hospital management use to find available pumps on the hospital floor plan. " ...

Via Ship2Save: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to track Infusion Pumps

RFID Electronic Patient Tracking Enables Lean Hospital Processes

Hospital will use RFID technology to support patient tracking processes and create efficiencies through lean techniques. ...

... "The RFID monitoring system will be linked to Hawke's Bay hospital's PAS patient management system, so capacity planning and bed management systems are automatically updated when patients are admitted and discharged. " ...

Via Stuff.co.nz: Hastings hospital

NordicID RFID does HF for Item Level Tracking

Nordic ID expands its PL3000 product platform with HF RFID which enables item level tracking. ...

... "The Nordic ID PL3000 with the HF RFID reader is designed to ensure performance. Healthcare organizations and pharmacies have started many pilot projects with RFID involvement. In healthcare, the importance of patient identification is paramount. The handheld device is bringing enhanced safety to daily functions in hospitals. It reduces mistakes and improves patient safety by making sure that the patients get the right treatment at the right time. Improved communication will keep hospital personnel connected and help them to reduce errors by having up-to-date information from the hospital’s backend system. Aligning accurate data with the correct patient is essential in healthcare, whether or not technology is applied. RFID will ensure easy and fast identification of patients and medicines, and thus strengthen the level of care making the administration of the drugs safe and easy. In the PL3000 Nordic ID has combined powerful data collection, processing and storing capacity with a variety of wireless communication technologies, including WLAN and Bluetooth for local environments and GPRS or GSM for wide area applications. " ...

Via Nordic ID: PL3000 product platform with HF RFID features

AT&T RFID Healthcare Solution Offers Complete Infrastructure

AT&T offers turnkey solution for the healthcare industry that accelerates implementation through standard set of infrastructure. ...

... "AT&T is the first network services company to provide a comprehensive RFID solution for the health care industry. The company is offering the devices, infrastructure and systems needed for full-scale tracking applications - everything from tags and software to networks and data storage. In addition, the solution generates customized reports that can be used to enhance patient safety, increase operational efficiency and improve financial performance. More specifically, it provides a Wi-Fi-enabled location-based service to track equipment, devices and patients. For example, a hospital staff can track the current or a historical location of mobile assets - such as blood pressure monitoring devices, EKG machines, gurneys, infusion pumps, crash carts, computers-on-wheels, wheelchairs and laptops - from a Web browser. The solution will also alert health care staff if at-risk patients have wandered or been moved from their room. In addition, employees can use the data to manage mobile asset inventory across a single health care facility or multiple sites. " ...

Via AT&T: RFID Solution for Health Care Organizations

RFID Medical Inventory Management System

DMC Harper University Hospital will implement Mobile Aspects' radio frequency identification, RFID-enabled, inventory management system to manage its utilization of high cost materials that support the delivery of cardiology services. DMC Harper University Hospital is part of the Detroit Medical Center. ...

... "Developed by Mobile Aspects, Inc., of Pittsburgh, Pa., the system, called iRISupply, uses an RFID tracking architecture to automate charge capture, inventory management, device expiration management, and other key operational processes within the patient care setting. The organization will implement fourteen iRISupply cabinet units to manage the storage and utilization of implantable stent devices within their cardiac catheterization laboratory suites at the DMC Harper University Hospital location. In leveraging the RFID-enabled technology, the organization seeks to create a more efficient, automated process for managing these high-cost items and in turn, realize more streamlined and accurate processes in documenting device utilization for billing and inventory management. " ...

Via Mobile Aspects: DMC Harper University Hospital to install RFID technology

RFID Healthcare Report Sees Growth

Business intelligence firm issues report on the growth of RFID (Radio Frequency Identifications) technology in the healthcare industry. ...

... "RFID Opportunities in Healthcare in the U.S. forecasts an explosive growth over the next five years, reaching more than $3 billion in five years. The report shows that the U.S. healthcare industry are realizing the benefits of RFID, including the better data capacity, better efficiency in terms of offering read-write ability and greater flexibility of design. RFID technologies in general will see growth as awareness of its benefits increases and as common standards and regulations for the adoption of RFID arise. The report concludes that the need for enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness is the main factor fueling the adoption of RFID by the healthcare industry. " ...

Via Report Buyer: Healthcare RFID Technologies

RFID Location Tracking in Elder Care

AeroScout and Surecom collaborate to implement nmedical alerting system for PresCare, an Australian elder-care provider. The solution uses RFID technology to provide track the status of elderly residents at one of its senior residential sites in Queensland, Australia. ...

... "Wi-Fi-based Active RFID tags along with its enterprise location tracking software, MobileView. These products communicate with the existing Wi-Fi infrastructure at the facility and are linked with each staff member's mobile handheld device as well as several flat screen monitors throughout the complex. AeroScout's unique Exciter products add enhanced high-accuracy detection at choke points such as doorways and exits. The AeroScout and Surecom solution is based on a set of configurable location-based rules, which trigger alerts when transgressed. These rules could include an at-risk resident wandering within a dangerous location, lack of movement for a configurable amount of time, a self-alerting button, or many others. Whenever an alert is triggered, an on-call nurse is immediately notified through their handheld device. " ...

Via AeroScout: PresCare Deploys AeroScout Wi-Fi RFID Solution for Patient Safety and Medical Alerting

Patient RFID Alzheimers Privacy Debate

Should Alzheimer patient be chipped with RFID or just rely on bracelets? ...

... "Alzheimer's Community Care Facility, in West Palm Beach Florida, intends to begin implanting radio frequency identification chips, RFID, in Alzheimer patients ... " ...

Via Associated Content: Patient RFID

RFID Skin-Patch Diagnostic Sensors Support Patient Monitoring

Gentag and Core Institute will collaborate to develop remote patient monitoring system, enabled by RFID technology, to support the healthcare recovery process. ...

... "The aim of the joint program is to facilitate post surgery monitoring applications by physicians and patients using RFID enabled cell phones under Gentag, Altivera and CORE patents. Specifically, physicians will be able to monitor the status of damaged tissues using temperature, pressure, and other sensors. Additionally, patients will be able to self-monitor their recovery from the comfort of their own homes. The technology platform uses RFID enabled cell phones, PDAs or wireless laptops that allow remote monitoring by physicians and hospitals, particularly during the critical first 24 hours post injury or surgery. " ...

Gentag, Inc. and The CORE Institute(R) Sign Agreement to Develop RFID Diagnostic Sensors

Texas RFID Tracks Hospital High-Value Assets

The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano in Dallas-Fort Worth uses RFID technology to track high-value assets. The system is designed to be transparent and simple-to-use to drive adoption. ...

... "The system essentially automates the tracking and cataloging of almost all of the hospital's most expensive equipment. " ...

Via Dallas Morning News : Hospital RFID For Asset Management

CLIP RFID Connects Patients and Medical Assets Through Microsoft Biztalk RFID

Aventyn releases V1.2 of CLIP, its Clinical Information Processing Platform. CLIP integrates RFID capability to support hospitals and medical manufacturers to connect patients and medical assets. CLIP v1.2 integrates with Microsoft's BizTalk RFID technology. This creates a health information management solution that enables healthcare industry to link care provider business processes with events in the supply-chain. Aventyn participates in the Microsoft BizTalk Server 2006 R2 Technology Adoption Program (TAP) to enable new RFID features in this release. ...

... "Enterprise Deployment of Connected Health Information: The availability of CLIP v1.2 provides clinicians and healthcare providers a flexible, yet affordable choice in the secure tracking of critical resources in a healthcare setting based on hospital, medical lab and supplier requirements. CLIP is available as a RFID-enabled hosted platform solution or as an installable packaged solution, seamlessly integrating into most existing IT environments with support for multiple users. A robust, ease-of-use interface offers installation, industry standard Gen2 RFID tag-reader configuration and deployment within hours. The modular CLIP architecture allows for true connected information processing for automated patient administration and medical asset tracking with built-in support for processing Gen2 RFID tagged health cards, patient wristbands and asset labels. " ...

Via Webitpr: CLIP V1.2 With Enhanced Integrated RFID Capability For Hospitals And Medical Suppliers

RFID Healthcare Sample-Management Authenticity

Iris International will use SkyeTek RFID solution to enable specimen management for healthcare samples. ...

... "Iris will integrate an M2 HF SkyeModule with ReaderWare Security into the iQ200 Urinalysis System that will read data on the RFID-tagged consumable reagent system. With the M2 incorporated, the iQ200 will now be able to check for reagent type, manufacturing date, and authenticity each time the reagent system is used for sample testing. Zebra's R110Xi-HF RFID printer, which also utilizes SkyeTek's M2 as its internal reader engine, will generate an encrypted, tag-specific digital fingerprint and encode it onto the reagent label as it is being printed. " ...

Via SkyeTek: Secure RFID Solution to Enhance Patient Safety

RFID Medical Device Supply Management System Improved

Mobile Aspects, Inc., is shipping iRISupply 4.0, its next generation RFID-enabled medical device and supply management system. Mobile Aspects, Inc. of Pittsburgh, Pa., is a healthcare technology supplier focused on providing an integrated suite of clinical resource management solutions to automate the management of supply, asset, drug and patient tracking through the One System of CARE solution. The RFID features of iRISupply are ...

... "Adjustable shelving. RFID-enabled shelving within the cabinet-based technology is now adjustable to provide flexibility for the ever-changing needs of medical device and supply storage.

Next generation of RFID tracking architecture. iRISupply 4.0 utilizes an innovative, patentpending three-dimensional reading capability to further enhance the tracking and management of medical devices and supplies. " ...

Via Mobile Aspects: Next Generation RFID Enabled Medical Device and Supply Management System

Pretec RFID USB

Pretec integrates RFID with USB for application in healthcare and other industries where information and identification convergence is critical. ...

... "Pretec i-Disk RFID leads the new trend of Store with Innovation, combines the smallest USB flash in the world and RFID technology to a tiny form factor in a sturdy and waterproof construction, which can be conveniently incorporated with any systems in need of both digital mass storage and easy identification. The feature of being automatically identified and data remotely retrieved when i-Disk RFID passes within the proximity of a RFID reader and the added feature of ubiquitous USB flash drive, Pretec i-Disk RFID can be widely applied to variety of markets and applications such as hospitals, airports, warehouses, POS systems for access control, asset or inventory management, etc. " ...

Via Pretec: Pretec i-Disk RFID

RFID Tags Diabetes Patients

VeriChip tags 18 diabetic patients with its RFID-enabled VeriMed Patient Identification System at the Atlanta Diabetes EXPO, under sponsorship of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). ...

... "At the EXPO, physicians implanted VeriMed RFID microchips in conference attendees who signed up for the voluntary procedure. The VeriMed Patient Identification System, which utilizes an implantable RFID microchip in combination with a handheld RFID scanner and a secure patient database, provides immediate access to important health information for patients who arrive at an emergency department unable to communicate. " ...

Via VeriChip: Diabetic Patients RFID Tagged with Microchip ...

Robot RFID Asset Management for Hospitals

Aethon Inc makes availabile its mobile RFID-enabled solution that locates, delivers and recovers hospital assets. The solution performs automated transportation featuring an RFID-based asset tracking system and a robotic asset delivery and recovery system. The solution helps hospitals to improve efficiency and patient satisfaction, increase utilization of assets, and improve regulatory compliance. ...

... "HOMER's unique asset tracking capabilities are an outgrowth of technology made possible by TUG, the most successful automated courier system for the delivery and recovery of hospital goods and supplies. Leveraging the TUG platform, HOMER employs a single mobile antenna that eliminates the typical infrastructure hurdles of competitors’ systems. This translates into more efficient organization and location of pumps, wheelchairs, monitors, respirators, beds and virtually any other assets hospitals are interested in tracking. A cost-effective and comprehensive solution, HOMER can seamlessly merge with existing hospital systems and requires minimal installation. HOMER works with active RFID tags (unique identifiers). Because it can use any third-party tag, HOMER is tag independent. Furthermore, HOMER can be integrated into existing asset management software. Aethon provides installation, tag selection and setup, software integration, training and support. TUG is an autonomous mobile robot that requires no extra infrastructure investment, is simple to install and has many applications such as central supply, dietary, pharmacy, laboratory, medical records, nursing and linens. Currently, the TUG delivery and recovery system is being used in hospitals across 75 sites. Many hospitals have deployed multiple TUGs to save time and money, while increasing staff and patient satisfaction. " ...

Via Aethon: Aethon Redefines Hospital Asset Utilization ...

RFID-Enabled Mobile Clinical Assistant, MCA

Motion Computing introduces new C5 mobile clinical assistant (MCA) at UCSF Medical Center. The MCA is a new computing category that enables the healthcare processes of nurses, physicians and other clinicians with mobility. The Motion C5 integrates reliable, automated patient data management at the point of care. UCSF piloted the the mobile clinical assistant to assess clinician productivity improvements through enabling mobile point of care. Its analysis demonstrates a substantial improvement in nurse productivity, satisfaction and documentation accuracy. ...

... "This collaborative effort resulted in development of the Motion C5 - designed with and for clinicians - that is now being implemented in clinician usability studies worldwide. The C5 is the first highly sealed, fully disinfectable computer to integrate into one durable device the relevant technologies important to clinician workflow and productivity. The C5 combines multiple devices into one - including a built-in barcode and RFID reader for patient identification and supply, specimen and medication administration verification; a built-in camera; and a fingerprint reader to improve security and simplify clinician authentication. " ...

Via Motion Computing: Motion Launches Industry's First Mobile Clinical Assistant Designed Specifically for Clinicians ...

Hospital RFID Realizes Patient Benefits

HP and Precision Dynamics implement patient management system based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in Taiwan at the Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital (CGMH). The hospital CIO sees the hospital realizing benefits through a reduction in medical errors, from root causes such as manual processes, compliance to standard operating procedures, and visibility to real-time patient status and medical process exceptions. The system is architected with PDC's RFID wristbands and HP's mobile and fixed RFID infrastructure. Privacy is managed by storing confidential patient information on the RFID chip rather than printing the information on the wristband. ...

... "CGMH implemented the RFID system in its operating rooms to improve patient safety by verifying and positively identifying patients, gathering real-time data, reducing risk of wrong-site and/or wrong-patient surgery, and ensuring compliance with hospital patient safety procedures or standard operating procedures. Since the implementation, CGMH has achieved 100% accuracy in patient ID in the OR. The new RFID system automates many manual functions of the previous operating room processes. The system helps verify that the five rights of medication safety are met - right patient, medication, dose, time, and route - as well as right surgery and surgical site. Automating patient data verification processes has saved CGMH medical staff an average of 4.3 minutes per patient. Also, automated data collection has helped prevent common manual data entry mistakes, which if gone undetected could lead to medical errors." ...

Via HP: Precision Dynamics Corporation and HP Provide Chang Gung Memorial Hospital with RFID System for Patient Management

Healthcare RFID MayoClinic

3M and Mayo Clinic demonstrate pilot installation of a radio frequency identification (RFID) system in Mayo Clinic's endoscopy surgical suites for management of the collection and tracking of patient tissue samples. 3M RFID system was configured to enable Mayo Clinic's business processes for specimen management. ...

... "Utilizing 3M Track and Trace Technology, this RFID system enhances Mayo Clinic's ability to manage specimen and tissue samples from the collection stage to the pathology laboratory. Collecting and analyzing patient tissue is a crucial medical procedure. Mayo Clinic continues to take a leadership role in health care's effort focused on patient safety and care. Multiple 3M technologies were brought forward during the five-month pilot project at Mayo Clinic. Results demonstrated quantifiable operational efficiencies in the specimen-management process, accurate communication of data, and verification of information. Expansion of the Track and Trace system within the endoscopy practice will take place in planned, controlled phases. 3M and Mayo Clinic expect this rollout to be completed in early 2007. " ...

Via 3M: Two Minnesota Institutions Advance RFID Technologies in Health Care

RFID Sensor Tag: Medical Product Logistics

DHL develops RFID sensor tag with IBM and partners in the pharmaceutical industry. The RFID sensor tag is used successfully in the overseas transport of diagnostic material and vaccines. ...

... "A special RFID sensor tag controls and documents the temperature of items throughout transport. The measuring data are available at every read point so that senders, recipients and inspectors alike can check the condition of the products at any time. After all, fluctuations in temperature outside of the recommended range can have a negative effect on the lifespan of medical products such as vaccines. The new sensor tag is a combination of temperature sensor and RFID radio chip. It permits continuous monitoring and recording of a pre-defined temperature range as well as read-out of the data at any time, without having to open the shipment. Thanks to the sensor's special design, it can be attached especially close to the product, not just on the inside of the packaging as before. In addition, the current lifespan of the product can be calculated and read out at any time. This was previously possible only at the end of a transport. " ...

Via DHL: DHL and partners develop RFID sensor solution for the pharmaceutical industry ...

RFID Improves Stroke Treatment: Access Health Records

National Stroke Association endorses implantable RFID microchips as a treatment to enable access to the critical health records of stroke victims. A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. National Stroke Association is the leading national non-profit organization devoting all of its efforts and resources to stroke. VeriMed Patient Identification System is used to rapidly and accurately identify people who arrive in an emergency room and are unable to communicate. This RFID identification system uses the first human-implantable passive microchip, the implantable VeriChip. ...

... "The National Stroke Association (NSA) has recognized that implantable RFID microchip technology offers the ability to improve stroke treatment by providing medical professionals with immediate access to vital health information of stroke-afflicted patients. An excerpt from the letter, signed by James Baranski, CEO of the National Stroke Association, states: Personal Health Records, including implantable RFID microchips such as VeriMed, could play a critical role in assisting medical professionals in delivering appropriate stroke treatment promptly, leading to better patient outcomes. The VeriMed Patient Identification System which consists of a handheld radio frequency identification (RFID) scanner, an implantable RFID microchip and a secure patient database, is being used to help rapidly identify and provide access to important health information on participating patients who arrive at an emergency department unconscious, delirious or unable to communicate. This implantable RFID system is the only system of its type cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration for use in people. " ...

Via VeriChip: National Stroke Association Views Implantable RFID Microchip such as VeriMed as a Potential Life-Saving Medical Device ...

RFID Company Merger, Private Placement

InfoLogix expands through private placement and merger to accelerate its growth strategy in the RFID healthcare market. ...

... "2006 has been a monumental year for InfoLogix, said David Gulian, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of InfoLogix. We have been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as the sixth fastest growing company in the nation, and have reached significant milestones in installing over 1,900 customer solutions and 1,100 solutions specifically for hospitals. With $17 million of equity financing behind us, we can confidently execute our growth strategy as a public company. Gulian noted that the market for healthcare and RFID-based solutions continues to witness exceptional growth. Our RFID-based software, infrastructure, and services solution portfolio is poised to take advantage of this market opportunity. " ...

Via InfoLogix: InfoLogix, Inc. Completes Over-Subscribed $17 Million Private Placement and Merger with Publicly Traded New Age Translation, Inc., Creating Newly Public RFID & Healthcare Technology Company ...

RFID Context Aware Location Services

Sybase enhances its RFID Anywhere solution to support advanced services that enable context-aware locating capabilities. Location information is given a business context in applications that support asset management, access control, resource management in industries, such as logistics, healthcare, and other supply chain environments. Location information will integrate sensor technology data associated with assets. Assets will be identified and associated with fixed locations and temporal information to provide location and timing insights. Conditions can be monitored and alerts will be provided based on events. ...

... "RFID Anywhere 3.0 breaks new ground with the delivery of a context-aware Location Information System. Using RFID Anywhere, businesses can not only track assets from a range of data collection points [such as passive RFID, active RFID, real-time location systems (RTLS), barcode, global positioning systems (GPS) and environmental sensors], but can dramatically enhance the value of this data by associating environmental inputs (e.g., temperature) along with the location data. In addition, the RFID Anywhere 3.0 Location Information System exposes its complete feature set via a rich service oriented architecture (SOA) web services layer allowing organizations to easily transform static business information into business-aware intelligence. " ...

Via Sybase: Sybase iAnywhere Pioneers Context-Aware Location Information System with RFID Anywhere 3.0 ...

RFID Anywhere simplifies the development, deployment, configuration and management tasks for highly distributed, multi-site, intelligent sensor networks, and abstracts the interaction with the physical network of devices. With support for over forty devices, this powerful infrastructure enables the creation of intelligent sensor networks out-of-the-box. By using RFID Anywhere, sensors are able to work together as an intelligent network by combining, organizing and coordinating these technologies through a common management structure, advanced feature set and event-driven development framework.

RFID Asset Management Course

Course on RFID technology for asset management to be offered in the first quarter of 2007 at Univ of Kansas. Registration. ...

... "RFID for Intelligent Asset Management: Wednesday-Friday, February 28-March 2, 2007, Hampton Inn and Suites Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, Mo. This intensive three-day course will focus on radio frequency identification closed-loop applications for managing assets and controlling processes. Participants will learn to apply RFID to drive more flexible, lean manufacturing operations and to manage their assets more efficiently. Professionals from a wide variety of businesses-from heavy industry to healthcare-will benefit from attending this seminar. " ...

Via University of Kansas Continuing Education: RFID for Intelligent Asset Management Course

Philips RFID: Healthcare Assets

Philips RFID technology is focused on the healthcare market combined with services. The first customer to deploy the Philips asset tracking solution is the University Medical Center (UMC) in Tucson, Ariz. Philips installation at UMC is one of the healthcare industry's largest Wi-Fi-based asset tracking projects. This RFID implementation covers eight floors and a million square feet with 2,300 RFID-tagged assets in use throughout the hospital. The hospital workforce will use the Philips RFID solution to track and manage medical equipment, such as infusion pumps, beds, monitors, wheelchairs and other portable devices. ...

... "Helping hospitals to focus on the patient, Philips' asset tracking solution helps locate hospital assets through Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. The solution is designed to work within existing wireless infrastructure, allowing hospitals to leverage investments they have already made in wireless technology. Philips' asset tracking solution consists of a suite of services to maximize the solution's benefits, including wireless tags, a location engine and the MobileView user interface. Product tracking information is fed into the location engine and the asset's position can then be portrayed on a map, in a table, or in a report format for any networked hospital user. In addition to pinpointing lost equipment, the information gathered from the asset tracking solution can help improve asset utilization and work flow efficiencies.

The Philips asset tracking solution is designed around each hospital's specific use cases to help solve problems such as productivity, regulation requirements, utilization, theft, and loss. With an understanding of the unique requirements that the healthcare environment demands, Philips has an advanced solution that can enable hospitals to make facility-wide improvement. The Philips asset tracking solution utilizes technology that includes wireless tags, a location engine, and the MobileView user interface. The tags, which can be attached to most mobile assets, transmit to the hospital’s existing 802.11 infrastructure. This information is fed into the location engine and the asset's position can then be portrayed on a map, or in a table or report format for any networked hospital user. " ...

Via Philips: Philips Delivers New Radiology Products At 2006 RSNA That Present Clinicians with a Clear View of Patient Data and a Clear Path to Patient Care

HighSpeed RFID Read Rates: Pharma Cases

Impinj discusses results of live demonstration of RFID technology in pharmaceutical packaging application with Owens-Illinois (O-I) at the RFID Health Care Industry Adoption Summit in D.C. ...

... "In pharmaceutical manufacturing and fill-line demonstrations, a near-field UHF Gen 2 RFID solution, comprising Impinj's Speedway reader and O-I's item-level embedded RFID tags powered by Impinj's Monza chips, achieved 100% reliability when reading and writing tags at high speed on pharmaceutical bottles. In the first demonstration, the UHF Gen 2 system programmed 96-bit EPC numbers at rates exceeding 600 tags per minute on bottles containing the four most common dose types - liquids, gel caps, solids and powder. In the second demonstration, the system developed by Impinj and O-I flawlessly read 600 tags per minute on cases containing 48 individually tagged bottles and a case-level tag. " ...

Via Impinj: Impinj-Powered UHF Gen 2 RFID Solution Delivers Exceptional Results for Item Tagging of Pharmaceuticals

RFID Pilot: Cardinal Health Completes

Cardinal Health completes its RFID pilot, which tested RFID tags for end-to-end pharma packaging and distribution business processes. The pilot tested the application of tags and the utilization of item level tracking techniques. Alien Technology, IBM, and Verisign provided hardware, software and implementation services. The application and encoding of the RFID tags approached 100 percent success rates. Reliable read rates were best achieved at the individual case level. The pilot was a fruitful learning experience for the pharma industry. ...

... "The pilot program tested whether ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) tags could be applied, encoded and read at normal production speeds during packaging and distribution of pharmaceuticals. Verifying the authenticity of medications along each step of the distribution process adds an additional layer of security to lessen the chance of counterfeit pharmaceuticals entering the supply chain. It is also hoped that RFID data could improve efficiencies in the supply chain. Pilot Program Background: In conducting the industry's first end-to-end pilot program, Cardinal Health used new technology to place RFID tags on the labels of brand-name solid-dose prescription drugs, then encoded the electronic product code (EPC) standard data at the unit, case and pallet levels during the packaging process. The products were shipped to a Cardinal Health distribution center in Findlay, Ohio, where the data was read and authenticated as products were handled under typical operating conditions. Normal procedures were enhanced with RFID hardware and software from Alien Technology Corporation and IBM along with project management support from VeriSign.

RFID Labeling and Online Encoding: Data collected from the pilot suggest that it is feasible for RFID tags to be inlaid into existing FDA-approved pharmaceutical label stock, and the tags can be applied and encoded on packaging lines at normal operational speeds. Online encoding yields were 95 percent to 97 percent, and fine tuning of the process is expected to produce yields that approach 100 percent. The RFID tag application and encoding requires minimal adjustments to current labeling and packaging lines.

RFID Read Rates: Unit-level read rate data varied widely depending on the locations and type of reading stations throughout the supply chain. Highly reliable unit-level read rates in excess of 96 percent were found when reading individual cases one at a time and when reading units mixed with other products in tote containers prepared for delivery to a pharmacy. However, as expected, unit-level read rates were not found to be reliable when attempting to read units within a full pallet of product. " ...

Via Cardinal Health: Cardinal Health Releases RFID Pilot Results ...

RFID Patent Portfolio: Zebra Purchase

Zebra acquires RFID intellectual property portfolio of over 200 patents from BTG PLC for cash payment. The company believes this patent purchase positions it for success in high-performance RFID technology. ...

... "Zebra Technologies Corporation, a global leader in ondemand printing solutions for business improvement, announced it has acquired an extensive portfolio of radio frequency identification (RFID) patents, which the company believes are important for the implementation of cost-effective high-performance RFID technology. The portfolio was acquired from BTG plc. for total cash consideration of approximately $10 million. " ...

Via Zebra: Zebra Technologies Strengthens IP Asset Portfolio with Acquisition of RFID Patents: A Pioneer in RFID, Zebra Now One of the Largest Patent Holders ...

Healthcare RFID Industry Adoption ...

Conference will focus on adoption of RFID in the healthcare industry ...

... "The National Association of Chain Drug Stores and Healthcare Distribution Management Association are pleased to sponsor this comprehensive overview of RFID Operational and Implementation strategies for the pharmaceutical supply chain. Given the high degree of interest by regulatory agencies and the commitment of our industry to transmit pharmaceutical products across a safe and secure supply chain, this conference will focus solely on RFID and how it impacts the pharmaceutical supply chain ... " ...

NACDS 2006 RFID: RFID User Adoption Summit ...

UWB RFID Hospital Tracking System ...

Parco Wireless plans next-generation of RFID ultra-wideband (UWB) tracking system targeted for healthcare environments. ...

... "Precis incorporates Time Domain Corporation's Pulson ultra-wideband technologies in its design. The new line will include a full suite of products that include assets tags, patient wristbands, personnel badges and two design type readers. According to company leadership, the new Precis tags and receivers will help dispel all misconceptions about the higher cost of implementing a UWB tracking system. While the cost of UWB tracking technologies were historically higher when compared to competing technologies such as Infrared (IR) or WiFi systems, many hospitals felt compelled to hold off on implementing a UWB active RFID tracking system despite the superior benefits UWB systems offered.

The locations of the tags are tracked by UWB readers installed at fixed locations within a medical facility providing the location of patients, caregivers, and equipment within accuracy of 1.5 feet. The tags use extremely low-power as evidenced by their average life of over four years using a single 3 volt battery. " ...

Via Parco Wireless: Parco Wireless Set to Release World Class Tracking System ...

RFID Healthcare RTLS Solutions ...

SYMX and RF Code collaborate to deliver active RFID solutions for real-time location services in the healthcare industry. ...

... "RF Code, Inc., a leading provider of Real-Time Location and Sensor (RTLS) solutions, announced an agreement with SYMX Technologies Inc., a division of SYMX Corporation, a global provider of medical equipment services and products, to supply SYMX with health care RTLS solutions under a contract worth $30 million over the next three years. Under this exclusive agreement, SYMX will enable broader utilization of RF Code's complete health care solution platform. SYMX will integrate RF Code's RTLS capabilities into its SYMX Solutions offering, thus, giving hospitals the ability to quickly and accurately track the exact location and status of vital devices, ranging from infusion pumps to expensive implantable products. To accomplish this, SYMX will establish RF Code's active RFID technology as the platform into a broad range of medical and surgical equipment services. Through this approach, costly equipment and mission critical devices can be more effectively utilized and life-saving equipment can be found quickly. Health care professionals will have the management tools necessary to improve quality control and patient care while reducing costs by providing the systems needed to track and manage life-critical assets across the hospital. " ...

RFID Healthcare RTLS Solutions: Via RF Code: RF Code Inks $30 Million Deal with SYMX ...

RFID Alternative: Rubee Network Tags ...

IEEE works on the IEEE P1902.1 standard, an improvement on the RuBee visibility network protocol. RuBee is a bidirectional, on-demand, peer-to-peer, radiating, transceiver protocol operating at wavelengths below 450 Khz. The RuBee protocol works in harsh environments with networks of many thousands of tags and has an area range of 10 to 50 feet. ...

... "One of the advantages of long-wavelength technology is that the radio tags can be low in cost, near credit card thin (1.5 mm), and fully programmable using 4 bit processors. Despite their high functionality, RuBee radio tags have a proven battery life of ten years or more using low-cost, coin-size lithium batteries. The RuBee protocol works with both active radio tags and passive tags that have no battery. IEEE P1902.1, IEEE Standard for Long Wavelength Wireless Network Protocol, will provide for asset visibility networking that fills the gap between the non-networked, non-programmable, backscattered, RFID tags widely used for asset tracking and the high-bandwidth radiating protocols for IEEE 802.11 local area networks and IEEE 802.15™ personnel area and data networks. " ...

RFID Alternative: Rubee Network Tags: Via IEEE: IEEE BEGINS WIRELESS, LONG-WAVELENGTH STANDARD FOR HEALTHCARE, RETAIL AND LIVESTOCK VISIBILITY NETWORKS

RFID Tag Acquisition Network TAN ...

Reva Systems launches open-standards-based enterprise network architecture to support RFID implementation. Reva's approach to RFID architecture is compatible with those network intelligence standards that support LANs, WLANs, SANs, etc. ...

... "Reva Systems, an emerging company focused on delivering the industry's first network-centric architecture for growing radiofrequency identification (RFID) implementations, announced its open, standards-based Tag Acquisition Network (TAN) architecture. Until today, RFID deployments have been limited to small groups of proprietary readers connected to servers running RFID software. With today's announcement, Reva introduces the TAN as the catalyst that enables RFID pilots to advance to scalable, repeatable, and reliable enterprise‐wide rollouts. The proliferation of RFID is inevitable as the promise of commercial benefits across industries is realized. With the number of network‐connected readers deployed globally projected to grow beyond 100 million within the next decade, the RFID reader is poised to become the most numerous and densely deployed device in the enterprise networks of leading corporations including retailers, manufacturers, healthcare providers, and entertainment venues around the world. To date, RFID pilots have typically been limited in scale and require custom implementation. As RFID moves into multiple-application, enterprisewide deployments, the ability to scale rollouts is critical. " ...

RFID Tag Acquisition Network: Via Reva Systems: Reva Systems Announces the Tag Acquisition Network (TAN)to Accelerate Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Deployments: Network-Centric Architecture Applies Proven Networking Concepts to RFID ...

Hospital RFID Applications Discussed ...

MIT Forum will discuss RFID applications in the hospital. ...

... "RFID in the Hospital
Monday June 12, 2006
6:30 - 6:45 Networking & Light Snack
6:45 - 7:45 Panel Presentation
7:45 - 8:30 p.m. Q & A
Location:
Stata Center (Bldg. 32)
Room 124, 1st floor
32 Vassar Street
Cambridge, MA 02139 MAP

In addition to manufacturing and retail marketing, healthcare is considered the next home for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Although in its early stages, RFID technology has great potential in the hospitals to significantly reduce cost, improve patient safety and deliver medical services. Imagine the hospital of the future where unnecessary expenses will be cut and more patient lives will be saved. " ...

Via MIT EF: RFID SIG ...

RFID Technology Healthcare Purchasing Partnership ...

Healthcare purchasing organization partners with Zebra Tech for RFID technology needs. ...

... "According to The Institute of Medicine, medical errors cause up to 98,000 deaths annually in the United States alone. Bar coding applications have been shown to substantially reduce costly and dangerous medical errors, and the recent 17th Annual HIMSS Leadership Survey found that medical error reduction and patient safety will remain top business objectives for hospital IT executives in 2006. Zebra's bar coded wristbands, unit-dose pharmacy labeling and employee badge solutions help enable patient safety improvements at the bedside and throughout the hospital with patient registration/identification, medication labeling, lab specimen collection, radiology film labeling and surgical instrument tracking applications. Bar coding and RFID are at the heart of many patient safety initiatives, says David Crist, vice president of sales at Zebra Technologies. Zebra is committed to working with Amerinet and its members to deliver these solutions in a way that minimizes medical errors and enhances safety. Zebra is a leading manufacturer of specialty thermal printing solutions including wireless, mobile and high-performance label and wristband printers designed to meet the needs of the healthcare market. Zebra also offers printing supplies, including highly durable, ready-to-print ZBand Direct wristbands, which were awarded the 2004 Frost & Sullivan Product Leadership of the Year Award in the field of medical informatics. Use of these wristbands ensures accurate patient identification and enables healthcare providers to meet patient safety and privacy standards, such as those set by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). In addition, Zebra's newly introduced antimicrobial wristband coating further improves the safety and quality of care by reducing the spread of dangerous and costly hospital infections. " ...

RFID Technology Healthcare Purchasing Partnership: Via Zebra Technologies: ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES AND AMERINET ANNOUNCE NEW TWO-YEAR AGREEMENT: Zebra to provide Amerinet members with its full line of bar code, card and RFID printers, supplies and services ...

RFID Asset Tracking Product Line ...

RFID asset tracking products support 433 MHz frequency in multiple countries. ...

... "The 433 MHz frequency is widely allocated for use throughout the world, allowing RF Code's new asset tags and readers to be used in a broader number of countries. Enhanced signaling capabilities substantially improve the ability of Mantis to be used in Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) applications. The Mantis 433 MHz line now offers the lowest cost active tag at prices far below comparable systems, as well as the only 10+ year tag battery life for 433 MHz RFID products in the market. In addition to these features, RF Code's 433 MHz product line combines industry leading anti-collision performance in a small form factor. Incorporating worldwide availability with enhanced RTLS capabilities, RF Code's new line is accelerating international container tracking, supply chain and healthcare asset tracking markets for the company’s solutions. " ...

RFID Asset Tracking Product Line: Via RF Code: RF CODE ADDS 433 MHZ TAGS AND READERS TO ITS MANTIS II ASSET TRACKING PRODUCT LINE ...

WIFI RFID System on Chip ...

G2 Microsystems introduces RFID system on a chip that supports WIFI networking standards. ...

... "G2 Microsystems Inc., a developer of integrated circuits for the Mobile Resource Management (MRM) market, announced an ultra low-power, active radio frequency identification (RFID) System-on-a-Chip (SoC) that leverages the widely-deployed Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) network infrastructure. By using this existing infrastructure, G2 Microsystems SoC enables businesses to install asset tracking systems at a fraction of the cost of today's solutions resulting in at least a 75% reduction in total cost of ownership. Additionally, the chip's integrated support for multiple location technologies and environmental sensing coupled with ultra low-power consumption enables a new class of tags that will open the door for global MRM services in many enterprise applications.

Mobile resource management is a fast-growing market that uses RTLS to track and monitor assets both inside and outside of facilities. The Yankee Group forecasts the global RTLS market will grow to $1.6B by 2010, fueled by deployments in healthcare, manufacturing and logistics. Targeted at the RTLS market, G2 Microsystems' G2C501 Wi-Fi Active RFID SoC is a very flexible solution that enables a broad range of customer types to tailor systems to their specific application at a very low total cost of ownership. The chip is currently being incorporated into leading RTLS solutions including those from Ekahau and PanGo Networks. " ...

WIFI RFID System on Chip: Via G2 Microsystems: G2 Microsystems Significantly Reduces Cost of Asset Tracking Systems with Industry's First Wi-Fi RFID System-on-a-Chip: Leading Real-Time Location System (RTLS) Providers, Ekahau and PanGo Networks, Plan to use G2 Microsystems' Chip ...

RFID Hospital Improves Patient Safety ...

Upcoming IQPC conference focuses on the use of RFID technology in hospitals to increase patient safety. ...

... "Recognizing the need for hospitals and health centers to implement RFID and barcoding processes to achieve greater efficiency, track moveable medical assets (including patients), and enhance patient safety, Healthcare IQ, the healthcare division of the International Quality and Productivity Center (IQPC), announced it's 4th Annual RFID, Tracking and Barcoding for Hospitals, to take place March 20-23, 2006 at the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, AZ. This conference will feature over 20 brand new case studies in two separate tracks: Innovative Solutions in Barcoding and Innovative Solutions in RFID. " ...

Via IQPC: Leading Hospitals and Health Centers Discuss Innovative Solutions Utilizing RFID and Barcoding to Reduce Medical Errors and Increase Patient Safety

Hospital RFID Asset Tracking ...

Infologix implements RFID asset tracking for hospitals ...

... "InfoLogix, a market leader in Healthcare Information Technology total solutions announces HealthTrax, their new solution for Real-Time Location Tracking and management of medical devices. HealthTrax was developed with InfoLogix partner AeroScout, the leader in the field of Wi-Fi based Active RFID solutions. The first demonstration of the integrated solution will be in San Diego at HIMSS 2006, the top Healthcare Informatics Conference for the year. Also at HIMSS, InfoLogix and AeroScout will discuss performance and ROI of HealthTrax for Asset Tracking and for Patient Location Tracking.

HealthTrax is a complete solution for tracking assets and people within hospitals, and includes both RFID asset tags and enterprise software that can be used with standard wireless networks. The HealthTrax RFID tag is 802.11 Wi-Fi-based and leverages the existing wireless infrastructure; hospitals will not need a separate or redundant wireless network for Asset Tracking. Once the tags are attached to desired items, hospital staff can quickly locate what they need and when they need it on an easy-to-use Web-based electronic floor plan. This tagged hospital equipment can also provide security benefits by triggering an alarm if hospital assets are taken from designated areas. " ...

Hospital RFID Asset Tracking: Via Infologix: InfoLogix Announces HealthTrax RFID Asset Tracking Software for Management of Hospital Mobile Assets in Real Time ...

RFID Proximity Device: Healthcare Application ...

... "RF IDeas, Inc., creators of single-badge solutions for physical and logical access control and security, has shipped its 30,000th RFID proximity device for use in the healthcare industry. The milestone is confirmation of RF IDeas' leadership position in the emerging field of single sign-on authentication and access systems, as well as the growing adoption of this technology in healthcare organizations, where protection of patient information as mandated by HIPAA is crucial. RF IDeas will be demonstrating its cutting-edge solutions at booth #1851 of HIMSS, February 12-16, 2006. " ...

RFID Proximity Device: Healthcare Application: Via RF Ideas: RF IDeas Ships Its 30,000th Proximity Reader for Smart Card Access in the Healthcare Field

Hospital RFID Asset Management ...

PanGo's RFID technology to be used for hospital asset management ...

... "PanGo's turnkey location management solution includes an intuitive end-user application for asset monitoring and reporting, true Wi-Fi active-RFID tags and a location management platform that integrates location data into third-party and custom healthcare and business applications. PanGo Locator is the only active RFID solution available today that leverages any Wi-Fi access point infrastructure as its reader network, eliminating the need for a separate and costly overlay of proprietary hardware and wiring. Implementation Scheduled at El Camino Hospital: The IT leadership at El Camino Hospital, a full-service acute care facility, is recognized throughout the industry for a vision that consistently sets new standards in leveraging innovation. The team turned to long-time information solutions partner Eclipsys for new ways to boost response time and improve efficiency using El Camino Hospital�s existing Wi-Fi network. A wireless networking team from Eclipsys will lead the implementation of PanGo's active-RFID technology, scheduled to begin in March. " ...

Hospital RFID Asset Management: Via PanGo Networks, Inc: Eclipsys and PanGo Form Strategic Partnership to Deliver Advanced Radio Frequency Identification Solutions to Healthcare Organizations: Partners Sign El Camino Hospital, Mountain View, CA as First Customer ...

RFID Emergency Card: Enables Electronic Health Record ...

MedicAlert will show its RFID-enabled smart-card for enabling emergency medical care through the use of identification and electronic health records. ...

... "MedicAlert will be showcasing technology products - the MedicAlert® E-HealthKEY, the Health Enhancement System (HES), and the RFID Emergency Card in response to the federal government’s goal to give all Americans electronic medical records in the coming years. Within a few years, one-third of all Americans will be elderly – about 77 million people – the single biggest demographic group in the country. Globally, the U.S. will have the largest population of elderly people in the history of the world. " ...

RFID Emergency Card: Enables Electronic Health Record: Via MedicAlert: MedicAlert® to showcase technology at the White House Conference on Aging ...

MedicAlert® is committed to providing technology-based solutions and is an active member and a leader in developing interoperability standards with all the major Healthcare IT standards organizations. The MedicAlert® repository uses Web service interfaces to support standard Electronic Health Records (EHRs), including electronic drug prescriptions and for patient record interoperability. These activities will ensure the rapid development and deployment of standards to improve the quality of care, lower healthcare costs while increasing patient safety. MedicAlert® is a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1956 with a mission to protect and save lives, is headquartered in the United States and has international affiliates in nine countries.

Additional resources on uses of RFID to support emergency health care or electronic health care identification:

Health Care CIO Runs Internal RFID Test - Computerworld: "Halamka said this month that when the chip is scanned by an RFID reader, an identifying number directs physicians to his medical records, which are stored electronically at CareGroup's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. "

VeriChip launches secure database to consult health care data stored on implantable RFID chips: "VeriChip is a miniaturised, implantable, radio frequency identification device (RFID) which can be used in a variety of security, emergency, and health care applications. About the size of a grain of rice, each VeriChip is composed of FDA-accepted materials and contains a unique verification number which can seamlessly integrate to the GVS Registry."

RFID can be a matter of life and death in the medical world | WTN: "Radio frequency identification technology is often touted as a way to improve supply chain management. But in the health care world, the technology is bringing other, perhaps more important benefits: safety and security."

VeriChip RFID Medical Facility Adoption Grows ...

VeriChip continues to grow its RFID adoption in medical facilities. ...

... "VeriChip Corporation, a subsidiary of Applied Digital (NASDAQ: ADSX - News), a leading provider of identification and security technology, announced that 68 medical facilities, including 65 hospitals, have now agreed to implement the VeriMed System for Patient Identification. During the month of November, three additional hospitals agreed to adopt the System. Three additional healthcare organizations have recently agreed to adopt the System: one research center, one specialized care center, and one nursing home. " ...

VeriChip RFID Medical Facility Adoption Grows: Via VeriChip: VeriChip Corporation Expands Adoption of VeriMed System for Patient Identification: New Signings in November Increase Medical Facilities to 68 ...

VeriChip is a subsidiary of Applied Digital and the only company to provide both implantable and wearable RFID identification and security solutions for people, their assets, and their environments. From the world's first and only FDA-cleared, human-implantable RFID microchip to the only patented active RFID tag with skin-sensing capabilities, VeriChip leads the way in next-generation RFID technologies. Today, over 4,000 installations worldwide in healthcare, security, industrial, and government markets benefit from both the protection and efficiencies provided by VeriChip systems.

RFID Healthcare Adoption Rises Above the Pack ...

According to Bearing Point, RFID adoption in the healthcare industry is on the rise. ...

RFID Healthcare Adoption Rises Above the Pack: Via RED HERRING: Drugs and Devices ...

... "Large healthcare organizations are adopting RFID tracking technology faster than the industry overall, said a study released Tuesday by consulting firm BearingPoint. " ...

RFID Hospital Door Reader: Parco

Parco issues new hospital RFID solution that includes a door reader, RFID tags, and visual alarms to demonstrate the effectiveness of RFID-enabled tracking of mobile assets. ...

RFID Hospital Door Reader: Parco: Via Parco Merged Media Inc.: Healthcare RFID Leader Announces Special 5th Anniversary Package: Management of Parco Announce the new Shepherd Door Alert Package ...

... "Parco Wireless announced the release of Shepherd a new package designed to enable biomedical and material management staff to quickly, easily and cost effectively determine whether RFID tracking is appropriate for their institution. This package will be specially priced to help celebrate Parco's 5th Anniversary which begins in 2006. The Parco Shepherd system consists of 20 Parco RFID tags and 1 Door Reader (Parco Part Number HWFBR-SYS.) The tags have a 4+ year battery life and can easily be attached to mobile assets such as wheelchairs, litters, infusion pumps, patient worn cardiac monitors and other high value mobile devices. The tags signal between 1 and 8 times per second (factory programmed) and are permanently sealed to provide better protection from moisture. The tags are compatible with all existing and future Parco RFID Tracking Systems. " ...

RFID Technology: Healthcare Pharma Recognition for Tagsys ...

TagSys RFID technology recognized for differentiation in healthcare and pharmaceutical capabilities. ...

RFID Technology: Healthcare Pharma Recognition for Tagsys: Via TAGSYS RFID: Press Releases

... "Frost & Sullivan's recent research service, World RFID in Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Markets, selected TAGSYS, one of the key players in item-level RFID infrastructure, as the recipient of the 2005 Product Quality Innovation Award for its end-to-end, reliable, accurate and secure (R.A.S) RFID solutions in the pharmaceutical sector. With an emphasis on delivering high quality products, TAGSYS' attention to quality testing has ensured the successful deployment of the company's products across various research institutes, laboratories, and hospitals in Europe. " ...

RFID in Healthcare Industry ...

Binod Samal explores the opportunity for growth in the application of information technology in the healthcare industry. ...

RFID in Healthcare Business: Via The Financial Express: IT drives healthcare business

... "They have realised that the next big leap in this sector could be brought through deeper penetration of IT systems in all aspects of clinical and non-clinical areas. Use of innovative technologies like RFID can bring immense value to bottom lines as well as patient satisfaction. " ...

Ubisense Sensors: RFID Active Tags

Ubisense support accelerated customer growth in RFID and associated UWB sensor technology with process efficiency, tracking, and security. ...

Ubisense Sensors: RFID Active Tags: Via Ubisense: UBISENSE REPORTS 60 NEW CUSTOMERS AS DEMAND FOR HIGH ACCURACY INDOOR LOCATION TECHNOLOGY INTESIFIES: Ubisense enhances process efficiencies, space utilization and security for, healthcare, industrial, military and more ...

... "Ubisense provides innovative, sensor-driven technology that utilizes UWB to report person and asset location within one foot of accuracy. Small sensors are placed within the indoor environment and active tags worn by people or attached to assets provide location information that can be viewed in 3D. This location data can be used to determine the efficiency and security of any indoor space or training scenario. For instance, US-based DSCI provides live, virtual training scenarios for the Department of Defense (DoD) training centers. DSCI needed high resolution indoor tracking capabilities for Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) training. Finding that WiFi and Radio Frequency ID (RFID) systems do not offer the near-precise accuracy and reliability required by the DoD, DSCI turned to Ubisense. " ...

Ubisense provides location-aware, sensor-driven technology that increases the usability and security of space. Ubisense utilizes advanced ultra-wideband (UWB) to deliver real-time location data within one foot of accuracy to more than 60 customers spanning workplace, healthcare, industrial and military organizations worldwide. The company is headquartered in Cambridge , England with offices in Denver , Colorado and Dortmund, Germany.

Healthcare RFID: Zebra ProductLine Agreement ...

Zebra inks product-line agreement to serve the healthcare supply chain with RFID printing and other identification technology. Zebra's partner, MedAssets, leverages technology into the healthcare supply chain through best-of-breed solutions. ...

Healthcare RFID: Zebra ProductLine Agreement: Via Zebra Technologies: ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES AND MEDASSETS ANNOUNCE NEW 3-YEAR AGREEMENT: Zebra to provide MedAssets customers with full line of bar code, card and RFID printers, supplies and services ...

... "Zebra Technologies (Nasdaq: ZBRA), a global leader in delivering on-demand specialty printing solutions for business and process improvement, has signed a new three-year full product line agreement with MedAssets Supply Chain Systems, a leading healthcare group purchasing organization (GPO) and supply chain services company. The full line agreement makes Zebra’s bar code, card and RFID printers as well as its supplies and service agreements available to MedAssets' customers for a wide range of identification, tracking and access control applications. " ...

Zebra Technologies Corp. (Nasdaq: ZBRA) delivers innovative and reliable on-demand printing solutions for business improvement and security applications in 100 countries around the world. More than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Zebra-brand printers. A broad range of applications benefit from Zebra-brand thermal bar code, “smart” label, receipt and card printers, resulting in enhanced security, increased productivity, improved quality, lower costs and better customer service. The company has sold more than four million printers, including RFID printer/encoders and wireless mobile solutions, and also offers software, connectivity solutions and printing supplies.

MedAssets, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, improves healthcare providers’ margins and cash flow through revenue cycle and supply chain initiatives. As a strategic business partner, MedAssets can replace multiple vendors and decrease supply costs by 3% to 10% and increase net patient revenue by 1% to 3%. Proprietary information technology is used to work with and improve existing IT assets and work processes. MedAssets, through its revenue cycle subsidiary MedAssets Net Revenue Systems, provides best-of-breed revenue solutions, including strategic pricing, pre-bill charge capturing and ongoing chargemaster management tools, all of which have been peer reviewed by the Healthcare Financial Management Association. In addition, MedAssets offers the only technology enabled systems that manage claim denials and link supply cost data with charge data to ensure accurate charges and defendable markups for all patient identifiable supplies, including costly medical devices. MedAssets, through its supply chain subsidiary MedAssets Supply Chain Systems, operates the fastest growing group purchasing organization and supply chain services company in the U.S. and builds customized solutions encompassing procurement of common medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, physician preference supplies, food and nutrition items, and capital equipment.

RFID China Partnership: Printing Solutions

Zebra partners to deliver RFID and printing solutions to the Chinese market. ...

RFID China Partnership: Printing Solutions: Via Zebra Tech: ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES AND DIGITAL CHINA JOIN FORCES TO BRING BEST-OF-BREED PRINTING SOLUTIONS TO CHINESE ENTERPRISES: Largest and most recognized brand in the bar code and RFID industry partners with China's pioneer IT distributor to bring industry-leading solutions to Chinese customers ...

... "A signing ceremony, held earlier today in Beijing with Digital China, marks a milestone for Zebra's PartnersFirst channel development program in China. Launched in March 2003, Zebra's PartnersFirst program was designed to help deliver value-driven bar code, wireless and RFID-based solutions to a wide range of end customers in industries such as retail, manufacturing, healthcare, government, transportation, logistics and more. Globally, the program has been successful earning a five-star rating (out of five) from VARBusiness Magazine. A redesigned program for the China market was launched last year. Today's alliance with Digital China is significant to Zebra's development, and testament to its increasing growth and commitment to this dynamic market. Under the terms of the agreement, Digital China will become Zebra's value added distributor (VAD) in China's auto-ID field. The alliance will enable Digital China to expand its presence in this lucrative market. Currently, Digital China’s distribution network and wide-reach is unparalleled, with access to over 6000 agents throughout Greater China. " ...

Digital China Holdings Limited was spun off from Legend Holdings Limited and separately listed on the mainboard of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange Limited on 1 June 2001 (HK:0861) . Digital China is the number one IT products distributor and systems integrator as well as a leading networking product developer in China. The company provides hardware and software solutions to its clients, with a strong focus to add value to them. Digital China engages in three groups of businesses: Distribution, Systems, and Services.

Zebra Technologies Corp. (Nasdaq: ZBRA) delivers innovative and reliable on-demand printing solutions for business improvement and security applications in 100 countries around the world. More than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Zebra-brand printers. A broad range of applications benefit from Zebra-brand thermal bar code, smart label, receipt, and card printers, resulting in enhanced security, increased productivity, improved quality, lower costs, and better customer service. The company has sold nearly five million printers, including wireless/mobile solutions and RFID printer/encoders, and also offers software, connectivity solutions, and printing supplies.

RFID UK Infant Protection ...

RFID UK Infant Protection: Via VeriChip News: VeriChip Corporation and Austco Communication Systems Introduce the Hugs® Infant Protection System in the United Kingdom ...

... "VeriChip Corporation, a subsidiary of Applied Digital (NASDAQ:ADSX), announced that it has shipped its first Hugs infant protection system for use in the United Kingdom. The sale and installation of the Hugs system is being coordinated by VeriChip's international distributor, Australia-based Austco Communication Systems Pty, Ltd. VeriChip's Hugs infant protection system is designed to prevent mismatching and deter abduction of newborn infants from hospitals, and is part of VeriChip's portfolio of RFID healthcare security products. " ...

RFID Identifies Objects: Healthcare

Rick Stouffer explores the use of automated identification technology, such as RFID, to enable healthcare industry at McKesson Automation. ...

RFID Identifies Objects: Healthcare: Via Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Barring human error made area firm a health leader ...

... "While bar coding grows, the next method of tracking materials, RFID, radio frequency identification, using radio waves to identify objects, could overtake the older system. Retailing giant Wal-Mart, for example, is a huge proponent of RFID technology. " ...

RFID Chips: People Applications

Daren Fonda explores use of RFID chips in people applications, such as security, access control, and healthcare ...

RFID Chips: People Applications: Via TIME: Biochips for Everyone! ...

... "A radio-frequency identification (RFID) transponder the size of a grain of rice, the VeriChip contains a 16-digit personal ID number that can be scanned like a bar code, providing health-care workers access to your medical records online. " ...