Monday, May 2, 2011
Zebra Technologies Corporation, based in Lincolnshire, Ill., had issued a press release on June 2, 2010 that they had sold over 125 million units worldwide of its Z-band patient wristbands. It is their belief and intention that these bands will assist in the prevention of deaths that have resulted from medical errors. Anders Gustafsson, chief executive officer for Zebra Technologies stated that in the last year and a half there has been an increase in the use of “bedside bar code medication administration” in which identifying a patient by a barcode on a wristband and then scanning their medication is accomplished to ensure the patient is safely receiving what he needs. Zebra has been a worldwide leader in specialized printing along with automated solutions for identification. The company is known for its “thermal transfer technology” designed to accurately keep record of patient medication information to reduce the possibility of mistakes. Rather than use the typical dot matrix and laser printers Zebra's approach involves the usage of thermal printers that print a crisper, clearer image which is vital when it comes to the barcodes on patient ID bands and their medication. In addition their Z-bands are designed for the hospital environment where incidents like degradation from smudges or hand sanitizers can effect the clarity of any barcode. The Z-bands are unaffected by alcohol, water, foams or blood. In addition these bands are also MRI certified and will not cause an adverse reaction in an MRI procedure.