Robust DAQ & Expansion for RFID Medical Equipment Tracking

Overview

A Sealevel partner provides a complete software suite that monitors RFID tags on surgical equipment. With a patented method to install RFID tags onto every piece of equipment in a surgical kit, including scissors, scalpels, and spreaders, their software allows hospitals to track usage, storage, and sterilization. With studies estimating that 10-20% of a hospital’s inventory is misplaced annually, anywhere from $400,0000 to $1,500,000 is spent each year per hospital to replace missing medical equipment.

This medical equipment monitoring solution provides detailed reporting on inventory, maintenance, utilization, and sterilization of surgical kit items as well as various scopes including colonoscopes, endoscopes, and cardioscopes.

In addition to the reporting, the systems also provide extensive automation as well as alerts.

With studies estimating that 10-20% of a hospital’s inventory is misplaced annually, anywhere from $400,0000 to $1,500,000 is spent each year per hospital to replace missing medical equipment.

The Solution

For a comprehensive solution to meet the company’s reporting, automation, and alerting requirements, the Sealevel team specified an array of SeaI/O data acquisition devices – including a base unit and three expansion modules. Each SeaI/O DAQ system features a SeaI/O 440E Modbus TCP to 32 Reed relay output device and a 440N Form A reed relay output expansion module, a 430N optically isolated input expansion module, and a 450N Form C relay output expansion module.

The SeaI/O expansion modules are compatible with all SeaI/O base units (Ethernet, USB, RS-485, RS-232). Each unit is connected easily using an RS-485 input and cabling is accomplished via the unit’s RJ45 connector or removable screw terminals. Interconnect cables can be used to daisy chain up to 247 modules, with an easy method to cascade signals and power from one module to the next for a complete, distributed network.

The initial minimum technical requirements for the medical equipment monitoring solution were 80 total relays (a combination of Form C and Reed) and 32 digital inputs. Through the SeaI/O DAQ and expansion module units, the customer now has a complete monitoring system deployed across 50 initial systems.

SeaI/O 440E Data Acquisition DeviceEthernet Modbus TCP to 32 Reed Relay Outputs

  • 32 SPST Form A  dry contact Reed relay outputs
  • 10/100Base-T Ethernet Modbus TCP interface
  • Extended performance cycle and fast response

SeaI/O 440N Expansion Module

  • 32 SPST Form A dry contact Reed relay outputs

SeaI/O 430N Expansion Module

  • 32 optically isolated inputs

SeaI/O 450N Expansion Module

  • 16 SPDT Form C relay outputs