Tracking and Localization of Retained Foreign Objects using RFID Technology

Abstract

Retained Foreign Objects(RFO) are the surgical instruments that are lost during surgeries inside the human body. Joint Commission reported this as the most frequently sentinel event in 2011. By tagging surgical instruments and gloves, will help surgeons trace and localize any Retained Foreign Objects . By early detection, surgical complications can be avoided and thereby saving the patient from exposure to X-Rays or other harmful radiation. United States will save up to approximately $17 to $29 billion each year from this project. The idea for detecting the Retained Foreign Objects can be accomplished by utilizing the Radio Frequency Identification Technology in surgical latex gloves. Electronic Product Code Class 1 Generation 2 or widely known unique Gen 2 tags are used in the inner side of the fingers in order to identify retained foreign objects in the body. Additionally, with the help of RSSI (Received signal strength indicator) will help to determine how close the Tagged gloves is to the RFO. This decreases the search time and helps locate the RFO accurately before the surgery is complete.