A hospital in Greenwood, South Carolina has implemented a system that allows blood test results that formerly took up to an hour to process to be processed in a matter of seconds, according to GwdToday.com.
A bracelet with the same kind of ID device found on a plastic ID card is given to patients while nurses carry a card reader. The device processes the arterial blood gas and electrolye information by pressing the reader to the bracelet.
The card readers are useful for the hospital as a security precaution, because the machines help nurses ensure that the right results are applied to the proper patient.
"This new technology saves time, allowing physicians and other caregivers to initiate life saving therapy more quickly," Dr. O.M. Cobb told the news provider. "This technology provides a definite benefit for our patients."
Rather than spending time processing results, the hospital workers can focus more time improving their patient care.
A VA hospital in Texas recently adopted a smartcard system as well. However, its decision was based on safety purposes. Their plastic ID cards are required for all medical personnel to move throughout the building.
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