RFID Technology and the Healthcare Industry

RFID technology is rapidly changing the way stores and businesses to store inventory. This new technology offers improved accuracy in scanning and tag data while minimizing labor costs and reducing environmental impacts. RFID is a universal code used to identify and monitor products. Radio-frequency identification uses radio waves to automatically recognize and track merchandise tags attached to items. An RFID system contains a small handheld transponder and a handheld receiver and transmitter.

RFID technology uses the same form of radio frequency identification (RFID) that is used to identify and track packages in a warehouse. Radiofrequency identification systems are becoming increasingly popular for retail businesses. Radiofrequency identification systems for retail businesses can increase productivity, reduce loss and improve the store flow. RFID will eventually replace traditional warehouse tracking methods and will become an important part of day-to-day business practices. RFID will be implemented at the point of sale point. This is the very first step towards expanding the retail market with RFID technology.

The initial implementation of RFID will focus on supply chain management. The data collection will be used to optimize the flow of goods through the supply chain. As the technology is implemented throughout the supply chain, improved processes will occur resulting in higher levels of productivity. Eventually, all stores will utilize an RFID system to improve their inventory tracking and reduce loss and fraud.

Healthcare providers are another sector making the transition to RFID technology. The hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes use RFID to capture patient medical data. A medical sales clerk scans a barcode, which is then digitally encoded within the chip of the medical device. This information is then read by an RFID reader, which enables the data to be uploaded into a computer system for storage or distribution.

Healthcare organizations will also benefit from RFID implementation. With RFID systems in place, healthcare providers can track and trace patients as they move throughout the caregiver’s office. By using RFID technology, the supply chain can be streamlined, thereby increasing profitability.

Another area in which RFID technology is being utilized is within the wildlife management industry. Animals in the wild will be monitored by radio frequency identification (RFID). Biometric devices will enable biometric readers to read signature patterns from a wild animal and send this information back to a base station. Biometric readers will be able to determine whether a wild animal is stray injured or owned and put it in foster care where it will be protected from other animals. The cost of this new technology will initially be high but as demand increases, the cost will come down.

RFID software is also being put to use to track medical records. One type of software allows hospitals to use the same database of information used to identify patients. Medical facilities are able to trace a patient’s history using rfid technology, which makes for less human error and quicker identification and treatment of illnesses. A paper-based filing system that stores patient details across numerous locations can take weeks to update, which is not an efficient way of storing information. Radiofrequency identification simplifies the storing and updating process of medical records. Hospitals can now view and update patient information using a password-controlled database accessed via a mobile phone.

RFID technology is only poised to grow and expand further. Tracking devices for groceries, fish, cars, and other items are already being developed. More widespread applications include tracking human movement and identifying and locating individuals during crime investigations. The healthcare industry is just beginning to realize the benefits of RFID technology, which means that the time to begin using this innovative technology could not be sooner. From reducing patient care and preventing medical errors to increasing efficiency and reducing expenses, RFID technology will continue to make the healthcare industry more profitable and improve patient care.