CHICAGO, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced that SurgiChip(TM), a revolutionary radio frequency identification (RFID) solution that uses RFID printer/encoders and labels from Zebra Technologies , has been cleared for marketing. The system embeds and prints information on an RFID “smart” label that travels with the patient into surgery to help prevent errors.
Viewed as another vital safeguard to prevent wrong-site, wrong-patient and wrong-procedure medical errors, the SurgiChip can be programmed and used in many types of surgical procedures. It was invented by Dr. Bruce Waxman, an orthopaedic surgeon and founder of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.-based SurgiChip Inc., and developed by AMT Systems Inc, a leading healthcare applications integrator based in Cheshire, Conn.
How SURGICHIP Works
During the pre-admissions process, the patient’s identification, surgical site and surgical information are encoded and printed onto a SurgiChip smart label using Zebra’s compact R2844-Z RFID printer/encoder and smart media. Once programmed and printed, the RFID chip in the smart label is scanned with a desktop RFID reader and the patient confirms the information. It is then placed in the patient’s file.
On the day of surgery, the SurgiChip is scanned again and the information is approved by the patient prior to sedation. The SurgiChip is then applied to the location where the incision will be made. The patient’s participation helps to ensure that errors will be avoided.
In the operating room, the surgical team again scans the SurgiChip with a handheld reader and ensures the smart label matches the patient’s chart and ID wristband. Only then does the surgical procedure commence.
Zebra - A Leader in Helping Improve Patient Safety
AMT Systems, an authorized reseller for Zebra Technologies, has exclusive rights to market the SurgiChip solution. The SurgiChip is part of AMT Systems’ PatientSafe(R) Suite of Products. These solutions are designed to improve patient safety and include products for identifying patients, tracking specimens and managing the transfusion of blood and blood products accurately and efficiently. AMT is a leading healthcare reseller for Zebra Technologies focused on applying bar code and RFID technology to improve patient safety. Their groundbreaking work includes developing software and technology solutions for bedside medication administration.
Zebra is working nationally with healthcare organizations as they implement patient safety initiatives. In addition to helping decrease surgical mistakes, Zebra’s RFID and bar code technologies are fundamental to helping organizations comply with industry mandates, improve patient safety and better secure the drug supply chain.
Zebra’s expertise is leveraged by leading healthcare and pharmaceutical organizations to support key government and industry initiatives.
-- FDA: -- Requirement for bar codes on blood bags. -- Rules for unit-of-use pharmaceutical bar code labeling for improving patient safety. -- RFID and bar code initiatives to better secure the pharmaceutical supply chain. -- JCAHO: -- JCAHO’s National Patient Safety Goals that recommend technology such as bar codes for positive patient identification. Media Sources Available:
Zebra’s life sciences market expert, Debbie Murphy, can provide a complete background on this issue and the strategies that companies can adopt to reduce medical errors and combat counterfeit drugs.
To schedule a press interview with Debbie Murphy, or for more information, please contact: Tricia Spellman, Outlook Marketing Services, 847-509-3099, ext. 208 or visit: http://www.lifesciences.zebra.com/ /
For a copy of the recent FDA announcement, please visit: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2004/ANS01326.html
ABOUT ZEBRA:
Zebra Technologies Corp. 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 four million printers, including RFID printer/encoders and wireless mobile solutions, as well as software, connectivity solutions and printing supplies. Information about Zebra bar code and RFID products can be found at http://www.zebra.com/ .
Zebra Technologies Corporation
CONTACT: Tricia Spellman of Outlook Marketing Services, +1-847-509-3099,ext. 208