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Precision Dynamics Corporation to Showcase Multi-Function RFID and Bar Code Reader at the Smart Healthcare Conference
Precision Dynamics Corporation (PDC), a global leader in automatic wristband identification and developers of the Smart Band® RFID Wristband System, will showcase a prototype of their new multi-function RFID/bar code (radio frequency identification) reader at the Smart Healthcare Conference taking place June 10-11 in San Francisco, CA. Created in conjunction with SkyeTek, developers of RFID read/write modules, the new dual handheld reader proposes to improve the accuracy of patient identification and safety in the medical industry.
According to the Institute of Medicine, 98,000 people in the U.S. die each year due to medical errors and the economic impact may reach as high as $29 billion annually. What�s more, the leading cause of death due to medical errors is caused either by patient misidentification, and specimen or medication misidentification.[i] Improving the accuracy of patient identification and decreasing the onset of medical errors is possible with new technologies like PDC�s multi-function RFID and bar code reader.
The new device combines an RFID reader/writer and a 2-D imaging bar code scanner into a tethered reader. It will capture information from either an RFID chip or a 1-D or 2-D bar code. Implementing this new technology into the clinical care process will enable caregivers to perform their tasks at higher levels of effectiveness and enforce the �Five Rights of Medication Safety� by facilitating real-time confirmation of the Right Patient, Right Drug, Right Dose, Right Route, and Right Time. For instance, if a patient and caregiver are equipped with RFID technology and the medication being administered is marked with a bar code�the dual reader will capture information from both.
�In recognizing the need to facilitate the interoperability between RFID and bar code, we developed a device that can read/write to an RFID wristband and read a bar code,� said Irwin Thall, PDC RFID manager for healthcare. �The new device will easily connect to point-of-care mobile carts and devices such as EKG machines, pulse oximeters, and infusion pumps�allowing for seamless and efficient patient administration, tracking, and care.�
PDC�s multi-function reader will also parse the data and automatically fill in appropriate fields on a form. Furthermore, it will eliminate repetitive data-entry into devices such as EKG machines and decrease common manual data-entry errors. The reader will benefit healthcare practitioners and patients alike, and will also be a technological advancement for medical device manufacturers. The new reader will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of medical devices since it will be easily compatible with most of them.
�The development of the dual RFID/bar code reader is a significant advancement and we are delighted to be a part of it,� said Bob Overstreet, chief operating officer at SkyeTek. �Not only will the new device provide the medical industry with advanced methods for increasing patient safety, but it will also benefit an array of other markets.�
A definitive release date for the product is not available at this time, but anticipated first shipments are slated for September 2004. For more information on the new dual RFID/bar code reader and/or PDC, please call 800-847-0670 x1320.
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