Cartridge-Based Patient ID solution Makes wristband Printing Easier

By HospiMedica staff writers
Posted on 23 Jun 2008
A compact printer streamlines the creation of patient identification (ID) wristbands and saves lives at the same time by using antimicrobial coating on the bands.

The HC100 thermal printer combines a small footprint and easy-to-load cartridges containing direct antimicrobial-coated thermal wristbands. The HC100 generates individual wristbands on demand, without the need to juggle labels and lamination; there is no need for staff to load labels into a special tray, print the labels, attach them to wristbands, and apply laminate coatings, resulting in less waste and lower costs. The HC100 Patient ID solution features built-in wireless connectivity, which simplifies implementation and enables users to move printers to different locations throughout the hospital with ease. Quick and accurate scanning at the point of care (POC) is made easier since the patient bar codes and text withstand water, blood, soap, and other liquids while remaining smudge-free longer than the average patient stay.

The labels are printed at a resolution of 300 dots-per-inch (DPI) and a print speed of 51 mm/second; a smart card optimizes print intensity and automatically calibrates for band size. A variety of linear and two-dimensional bar codes and symbologies are available. The HC100 printer accommodates the manufacturer's complete line of white and color band cartridges (Z band) , which are available in a variety of infant, pediatric, and adult sizes as well as in both adhesive tab and clip closures. An antimicrobial coating protects the wristbands from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) types II, III, and IV, in addition to S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, the leading causes of hospital infections. The HC100 patient ID wristband printer is a product of Zebra Technologies (Vernon Hills, IL, USA).

"Missing or illegible wristbands are a major contributing factor to many adverse events,” said Cristina De Martini, global practice leader at Zebra Technologies. "By utilizing bar-coded wristbands, hospitals can ensure that clinicians have the ability to accurately identify patients before collecting specimens, administering medications, or transfusing blood, a critical component for enhancing patient safety and reducing the potential for error.”


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