Labelling in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries
In no other industry is error-free identification of as high importance as in the pharmaceutical industry and the health sector. Data collection devices such as bar code scanners, mobile computers, and label and patient wristband printers for the health-care sector use specially-manufactured housing that is resistant to aggressive cleaners and disinfectants.
In the hospital, patient management has been permanently simplified for employees by the use of efficient administration systems. Work processes can be optimised using barcodes on patient wristbands, medicines or clinical equipment, and in turn enormously improve patient safety, rapidly. Relevant solutions reduce error rates due to incorrect dosing or patient confusion during medication.
Unused or improperly planned stock, e.g. contaminated or defective, entails a significant financial disadvantage if its whereabouts is not sufficiently documented. Existing hospital stock such as beds, infusion pumps, ultrasound devices or mobile X-ray units can be localised and managed by individually adapted systems. Processes in several hospital areas are simplified. By applying tags or barcodes, each individual stock item can be located and maintenance and usage planning can be improved. Downtimes and resource shortages can therefore be effectively avoided.
Perfect functioning of the labels as a fundamental requirement
Throughout the processing chain, important information such as ingredients, shelf life, use, etc. should not be lost on the labels. The absolute correctness of the designation on the labels must be ensured. Labels must meet certain criteria and qualities for medical purposes. It must be determined in advance, for which use, for example, laboratory labels are needed. Labels can be personalised with barcodes using a label printer. An important feature of the labels is the temperature and adhesive resistance, so that they remain durable. High quality is expected from the glue in that it bonds with the product packaging but in turn does not affect the packaging material.
Good examples of state-of-the-art hospitals in Denmark
There, so-called ‘super hospitals’ are being built, which can take up to 4,000 patients a day and employ 9500 people. In order to organise the tracking and location of personnel, medical equipment, samples and medicines more efficiently, RFID solutions have been optimally deployed throughout the hospital. With the help of RFID solutions, everything can be localised with the push of a button. The use of RFID reduces the number of products purchased in the hospital, allowing staff to easily find the equipment they need and cut costs. At the same time, the nearest specialist can be found quickly to ensure the best possible patient care in an emergency.
