RFID Delivery System for Contrast Agents Approved
The Food and Drug Administration approved a new RFID-based system for the delivery of contrast agents developed by Covidien. The company announced the product approval in a press release including the potential patient safety benefits by minimizing errors associated with safety in the radiology department.
The new system was developed by combining two of the company’s existing products, the Ultraject and the Optivantage DH. The Ultrajact is a prefilled contrast media syringe and the Optivantage is a power injection system. The combined solution is the only RFID-enabled contrast delivery system available in North America.
The RFID incorporated system captures, stores, and transmits data between the two pieces of equipment. Information is shared between such through RFID transporters. A label is created with the Covidien tool for the patient’s chart including contrast information and study findings, which saves time and increases accuracy.
The intention of the system is the development of an intelligent interface between the syringe and the injector. This supports delivering patients both the correct contrast medicine and right dose of contrast.
Features that further support safety include the system’s capability to detect if a bottle of contrast is past its expiration. The injection system can modify the label on the syringe after delivery of contrast once used. This limits the opportunity for life-threatening adverse events such as air embolism or air injections.
May 12, 2008 Related topics: Product Approval & Certification, Imaging, Quality, Safety, Errors, Radiology