SOLUTIONS

RFID for Medical Devices

By embedding RFID tags into medical devices, you can prevent counterfeiting, leverage auto calibration, track assets, protect patients and so much more.

How Medical OEMs Are Using RFID

Authentication & Brand Protection for Medical Devices

Authenticate a specific device, prevent counterfeiting and ensure maintenance and warranty is provided to authorized systems.

Automated Medical Device ID & Calibration

Enable parent & child pairing, prevent the use of end of life (EOL) devices and automatically set device parameters such as speed, torque, RPM and depth of penetration.

Medical Device Life Cycle Management

Verify single-use devices and implement a kill switch, enable rapid identification of units needing upgrade or retrofit, and track number of uses for multi-use products to determine end of life (EOL).

Improved Product Traceability

Automate work in process tracking, collect and store detailed product build information, trace usage, avoid errors, manage inventory and automate billing.

Sterilization Tracking

Ensure sterilization process is correct through lot traceability and stop when product reaches EOL.

Supply Chain Management

Automate device supply chain to reduce human errors and enhance manufacturing, production and inventory management processes.

UDI Compliance

Exceed industry standards with invisible, permanent tags lasting as long as a device. Mitigate degradation from rough handling, abrasion, cleaning, sterilization or other hazards. Marry UID of RFID tag to FDA UDI number for streamlined traceability.

Customer Inventory Management

Easily manage consignment inventory for OEM assets including surgical and joint replacement trays and instruments.

Learn about RFID technology for medical devices

Key Benefits of RFID for Medical Devices

RFID provides visibility into medical device operations that is easier, faster, and more cost-effective than other technologies such as barcode and QR code.

Read without line of sight: No need to be in front of the tag to read it. Can be embedded or read in the dark, in boxes, etc.
Multi-system reading: Many items can be read together at once instead of one by one (e.g., a pallet, tray or hamper filled with items)
Read & write data capabilities: Data can also be written back to the item anytime instead of just reading a fixed number or URL
High-capacity data storage: Much higher storage capacity compared to bar or QR codes
Robust security: Support for cryptographic security protocols and dynamic data
Built-in sensor support: Support for sensors like temperature, humidity, shock, volume level
Proactive protection: Tamper detection (electronic seal)

Learn how to choose the right RFID partner for your medical devices

RFID for Medical Devices Use Cases

Implantable Devices

Implantable devices like breast implants, pacemakers, and artificial joints need strict authentication. RFID technology enables medical professionals to verify device authenticity before implantation, reducing counterfeit risks. It also allows quick identification during recalls by scanning for lot or serial numbers.

Dialysis Equipment

Dialysis equipment, critical for dialysis treatments, benefits from RFID through robust authentication protocols.

Blood Oxygenators

Blood oxygenators play a vital role in surgeries and RFID enhances their usability through secure authentication and autocalibration.

Dental Tools

Dentist tools, like drills and scalers, require regular sterilization and secure management. RFID technology enables dental offices to authenticate each tool. It also supports autocalibration, ensuring that tools are always ready for safe and accurate use.

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RFID for Medical Devices Insights

RFID in Healthcare & Medical Applications

Learn how RFID can help speed up inventory management and avoid errors.

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Benefits of RFID for Medical Device OEMs

Learn how RFID can enhance value and improve patient safety when embedded into medical devices.

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Sterilization & Autoclave for Medical Devices

person handling sterilized medical tools

RFID Made for Sterilization Resistance

All HID RFID tags resist EtO gas sterilization method
A special radiation-resistant chip survives up to 50kGy gamma sterilization
Medical grade tag construction that withstands the repeated high temperature and pressure-induced humidity cycles (e.g., Sentry tags endure more than 1,000 autoclave sterilization cycles)
Medical-grade tags withstand Sterrad & other disinfection chemicals used in low-temperature sterilization

person putting instruments into autoclave

Autoclave-Resistant RFID Options

Small footprint, low profile mount-on-metal tags
Can survive more than 1,000 autoclave cycles
Low ergonomic impact
Provide exemplary read range
Available in multiple sizes/lengths
Easily adapted for over-molding/over-spraying or embedding on metal
Resistant to a wide range of chemicals

常见问题

1. How does RFID benefit OEMs?

RFID technology benefits OEMs by offering customization to meet unique needs, including authentication, autocalibration, anticounterfeiting, and asset tracking. It enhances operational efficiency, optimizes inventory management, ensures data security, and enables seamless integration into various device designs and environments.

2. Can RFID technology be used to prevent medical device counterfeiting?

Yes, RFID technology with secure serialization helps authenticate medical devices, making it more difficult for counterfeit or substandard products to enter the supply chain. This bolsters brand integrity and patient safety.

3. What are the advantages for OEMs in implementing RFID technology in medical device manufacturing?

RFID technology can lead to operational return for OEMs through improved quality control, reduced production errors and optimized inventory management. These benefits translate to more efficient manufacturing processes, reduce human errors and lower operational costs.

4. How does RFID technology benefit OEMs in terms of regulatory compliance and reporting requirements?

RFID automates and simplifies the documentation and record-keeping necessary for regulatory compliance. OEMs can generate detailed reports on device usage, maintenance and sterilization, making it easier to meet regulatory requirements. RFID helps to comply with FDA UDI regulations and is a better alternative to other methods such as laser etching, barcode and QR code.

5. What data analytics capabilities does RFID technology offer to OEMs for improving their medical devices and product development?

With RFID, the possibilities are endless for OEMs. Whatever information needs to be linked with that 15-digit UID on the chip — cycle count, kill switch, serial number, lot number, batch number, manufacture date, or expiration date — can be linked.

6. What security measures are in place to protect patient data and device information when using RFID technology in medical devices settings?

There are different levels of security chips for different purposes. Higher-level security RFID tags have cryptographic or encrypted data options so that no one can break in or copy it. These tags are often in situations where the reader in the capital equipment has to authenticate the tag in the consumable, and then the tag has to authenticate the reader.

7. How is RFID technology adapting to the evolving needs of the medical device industry, including the integration of IoT and smart devices?

RFID technology is evolving to meet the needs of the medical device industry through several innovative adaptations. One significant development is the integration of RFID with Artificial Intelligence (AI), which enhances the ability to analyze and interpret data collected from RFID tags, leading to smarter and more efficient healthcare solutions. Additionally, the incorporation of sensing technologies within RFID tags — such as those for monitoring temperature, humidity, and shock — allows for real-time condition monitoring of medical devices and supplies, ensuring optimal storage conditions and reducing the risk of damage or spoilage.

Also, active RFID tags can continuously transmit data and provide precise and real-time location tracking of critical medical equipment. This ensures that essential devices are always available and can be quickly located when needed, thus enhancing operational efficiency and patient care. By utilizing these advanced RFID tags into IoT and smart devices, the medical device industry can achieve a higher level of automation and connectivity, leading to more responsive and adaptive healthcare systems.

8. What impact does RFID technology have on enhancing the reputation and market competitiveness of medical device OEMs?

Implementing RFID technology reflects a commitment to innovation and quality, which can enhance the reputation of medical device OEMs. This technology can also give OEMs a competitive edge in the market by showcasing their dedication to cutting-edge solutions.

9. How does RFID enhance patient safety in healthcare settings?

RFID technology improves patient safety by ensuring that medical devices are properly sterilized, tracked, and maintained. It helps prevent errors, reduces the risk of contamination, and provides real-time information about device status and usage.

10. Can RFID technology be customized to the unique needs and specifications of medical device OEMs?

Yes, RFID solutions are highly customizable and can be tailored to address specific business challenges of medical device OEMs. They can accommodate any frequency, size, shape, form factor or environmental condition, making them highly adaptable and versatile for various applications in the medical device industry.

11. When is the best time to implement an RFID tag?

It’s ideal to implement an RFID tag as early as possible, such as in the design or R&D phase.