Covidien recognised for its RFID work

Covidien has been recognised for its work with radio-frequency identification (RFID).

It was honoured with the 2008 Frost & Sullivan Product Innovation Award for its combined use of the Ultraject prefilled syringes with the Optivantage contrast delivery system, which are both RFID-enabled.

Bhuvaneashwar Subramanian, research analyst from the firm behind the prize, explained the devices prevent the accidental air embolism caused from handling an empty used syringe.

It also stops cross-contamination from utilising a product that has been adapted in part during another patient’s examination, he noted.

Mr Subramanian said: “The system transmits the drug and administration protocol information to a printed label for patient records.”

“This enhances the efficiency of data storage and minimises the cost and effort toward record maintenance while increasing the accuracy of the data stored.”

In other news, Covidien announced this week that its Nellcor Oximax oximetry system would be integrated into Drager bedside monitors with the use of Infinity and SmartPod.

The partnership will enable “quality” products, which are designed to improve patient outcomes, to be present within the market.