How many health-care facilities currently utilize radio frequency identification, and which companies are the top providers of the technology to hospitals?
—Susan, United States
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Dear Susan,
KLAS Enterprises recently conducted a study that found that approximately 5 percent of hospitals currently use RFID systems—primarily real-time locating systems (see RTLS Providers Cite Strong Demand From Hospitals). Companies such as Aeroscout, Awarepoint, Centrak, Ekahau, GE Healthcare and US Biologistics are among the leading providers of real-time locating systems.
In addition, Intelligent Insites provides a software platform for tracking assets; RF Surgical Detection Systems offers a patient safety and OR efficiency system for preventing retained surgical objects, utilizing RF tags in surgical disposables: and Stanley Innerspace provides smart cabinets.
There are other firms serving the market as well. You can visit the RFID in Health Care section of our Web site for additional information: www.rfidjournal.com/healthcare.
—Mark Roberti, Founder and Editor, RFID Journal