How medical device manufacturers use RFID to implement digital tracking and management of rental pallets

Orthoses, implants, endoscopes, laparoscopes: rental medical instruments have become indispensable Tools for healthcare facilities. Medical device manufacturers have been at the forefront of digitizing rental instrument tracking to automate pallet management.

       Rental instrument kits are typically managed using metal and plastic trays designed to hold surgical instruments and protect them during the sterilization process. Pallets, containers, and instrument boxes can now be tracked electronically, enabling fully digital rental management.

       Medical device manufacturers benefit directly from deploying comprehensive visibility into rental instrument workflows to streamline field inventory and location determination and identification.

        Ultimately, digital rental tracking provides a better patient experience thanks to improved communication and coordination between Hospital organizations and manufacturers in daily scheduling, returns/lending, and processing.

       When all required instruments are in place, the operating room can simply focus on ensuring that each operating room receives surgical instruments on time and accurately. These surgical instrument sets are configured according to the doctor's preferences. Each set is prepared for a specific case to help ensure optimal patient safety during surgery. Ultimately, rental tray tracking should be fully traceable, with each surgical suite set tied to each physician, operating room, and procedure in compliance with UDI requirements.

       The SPD/CSSD department is still learning how to handle the complexities of rental instrument management.

       The increasing number of trays, containers, and instrument boxes is a logistical challenge compounded by the impact on patient safety and service quality: how to decontaminate, handle, and decontaminate less common or particularly rare and complex instruments. Sterilization? How do I access quantity status and instructions for use of these instruments? How do I obtain a history of rental instruments and document their handling at the healthcare facility?

       While the use of rental instruments may be temporary, the SPD/CSSD department is responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, maintaining and maintaining inventory integrity while the facility is in custody. Therefore, any technology involved needs to be safe for all standard processes, especially when it comes to sterilization: autoclaving/drying, ETO, cooling…

        RFID tracking is now replacing first-generation pallet tracking systems that relied on barcodes, QR codes and other imaging/computer vision technologies, thanks to several key advantages over these older technologies. Paired with the right rental management software, RFID tracking enables real-time inventory management.

        RFID has a long history of application in the medical field and is fully interoperable with existing systems. It enables automated inventory and operates fully in OR, SPD/CSSD and medical scenarios, providing complete data accuracy. In addition, the unique identification provided by RFID tags is UDI compliant, enabling complete traceability from manufacturer to patient.

       Passive UHF RFID tags are installed on rental pallets to track equipment. These RFID tags are made of medical-grade materials such as 316L stainless steel and Engineering plastics. They offer good vibration resistance and operational safety and are designed to withstand standard processing and sterilization procedures.

       RFID tags are suitable for metal and plastic trays and are installed using rivets or screws using the mounting holes provided on the instrument tray. Metal inserts are mounted in a way that ensures a secure bond with the pallet throughout the rigorous machining process, while screw mounting options ensure easy removal or replacement when required.