How is RFID Used for Medical Consumables?
RFID tags have been seamlessly integrated into medical products, such as surgical sponges, to enhance safety and efficiency in surgical procedures. Passive RFID tags, which require no internal power source, are ideally suited for consumable applications. These tags can be either embedded or attached externally on a wide variety of substrates in a highly durable way. Their ability to withstand temperature extremes, pressure and humidity makes them ideal for use in harsh environments, such as during device sterilization.
In complex procedures such as heart surgery, where up to 1,000 sponges may be used, RFID significantly enhances sponge management. Each sponge is embedded with an RFID transponder sewn into a small pocket. The tracking process includes three key steps:
- Verification at the Start– Before the operation begins, the RFID tag scans and verifies the number of sponges on the sterile surgical. This ensures an accurate starting count for the procedure.
- Verification at the Bin– After use, the sponges, often blood-soaked and difficult to detect visually, are discarded into a waste bin. This bin is equipped with an RFID reader that automatically counts each sponge as it is disposed of, ensuring accurate tracking.
- Verification and Safety– To ensure no foreign object is left behind, surgeons and nurses can use a handheld RFID reader to scan the patient’s body. This scan verifies that no sponges remain in the surgical site, complementing the automated count performed by the waste bin reader.
Why Medical Manufacturers Use RFID to Manage Surgical Sponges and Medical Consumables
By incorporating RFID at every stage — from verifying initial counts to ensuring none are left behind — this medical consumable solution significantly reduces the risk of retained surgical items, a critical factor in patient safety. RFID technology streamlines procedures and provides real-time visibility and accountability, offering invaluable support to surgical teams. Furthermore, RFID technology in surgical sponges and other medical consumables enhances patient safety and represents a proven solution for redesigning healthcare to prevent events that could cause serious harm to patients.
Key benefits include:
- Enhances safety and quality control in surgical environments
- Reduces liability risks by preventing retained surgical items
- Improves patient experience and hospital efficiency
- Protects brand reputation and ensures compliance with industry standards.
- Builds and maintains public trust through traceable, data-driven processes
- Saves time and reduces costs by automating inventory management
