According to the study published in Infection Control Daily, 26.16% of the observed surgical cases experienced at least one instrument error, with some involving multiple errors. The study estimated the annual cost of delays due to surgical instrument errors to be between $6.75 million and $9.42 million in lost chargeable OR minutes. The financial implications of these errors are substantial and demand cost-effective solutions.
How RFID Enhances Sterilization Management
In both surgical and dental equipment sterilization, RFID tags and the instruments themselves are designed to withstand hundreds of autoclave sterilization cycles. This durability ensures that the tracking process remains reliable even under the high temperatures and pressures of autoclave processes.
Sterilization completion and the readiness of an item for use can be managed with RFID — reducing human error and oversight — and the solution can disallow parts and tools from being used on a machine if sterilization has not been completed.
Engineered to withstand high temperatures, RFID tags are ideal for tracking instruments such as dentist drill bits, surgical tools, instrument trays and diagnostic endoscopes that are regularly subjected to autoclave, steam or gamma ray sterilization.
These durable RFID tags embedded or attached to surgical instruments provide an easy method to count items on a surgical tray pre and post-operations and sterilization cycles. Automated solutions, integrated with RFID readers, ensure proper instruments and procedures have been followed.Â
RFID tags are engineered to withstand the harsh conditions of sterilization, including:
- Heat
- Pressure
- Humidity
- Chemical exposure
- Gamma radiation
- ETO (ethylene oxide)
- AutoclaveÂ
For direct attachment or mounting on medical instruments, there is also the requirement for miniaturization and performance in all-metal environments. With the appropriate tag selection, the reprocessing procedure is documented in a digitally traceable manner.
“Medical device manufacturers can enhance patient safety and boost efficiency in medical sterilization processes through the use of durable HID RFID tags.”
Caryn Mills. Medical Device Sales Director, U.S.A.
Benefits of RFID in Sterilization Process
By integrating RFID technology, medical manufacturers can enhance quality control measures, protect against reused disposable products, and increase patient safety. Key benefits include:
- Improved Patient Safety—Improved sterilization process control reduces the risk of infections
- Process Automation—Minimizes manual errors and increases efficiency
- Cost Efficiency—Reduces instrument loss, decreases inventory management and operational downtimeÂ
