Battery RFID System Launched by CenTrak and GE
CenTrak, Incorporated and GE Healthcare have partnered to develop a new radio frequency identification (RFID) system that is predominantly battery-operated. News describing the collaboration was detailed by CenTrak in a press release.
The hybrid DualTrak utilizes its own separate network; this mitigates interference with networks already employed within hospitals. The collaborative system offers granularity at the room-level. This feature can enhance the operational efficiency within the facility, which may translate to improvements in overall patient care.
This new RFID system iteration is considered the next generation of active RFID systems. The DualTrak system operates on CenTrak’s 900 MHz radio frequency and GEN2IR TM technology. It also utilizes the CenTrak RTLS system, which is primarily battery powered. This is the only existing system that is mainly battery powered that can provide room level accuracy in the world.
The system does not utilize valuable bandwidth. As well, the solution can accommodate essentially a limitless number of tags. The GEN2IR technology assures reliable location accuracy.
The novel design is intended to reduce potential barriers to system adoption, such as installation and costs. Further, the system provides an increased return on investment. Installation of the system can be completed in as few as six days compared to systems that require creation of separate wired infrastructure, which may take over six months to deploy. This can decrease costs associated with deployment and simultaneously reduce operational disruption.
A number of healthcare facilities across the country have already adopted the new DualTrak system.
January 30, 2008 Related topics: New Technology & Innovation, Partnerships & Consortia