Abstract:
An apparatus senses and records consumption of medical items during performance of a medical procedure. The medical items are enclosed in wrappers having RFID tags in which medical item information is encoded. The apparatus includes a shielded enclosure that attenuates radio frequency signals emanated from RFID tags disposed outside the shielded enclosure to levels that are substantially undetectable within the internal space. RFID antennas inside the shielded enclosure receive radio frequency signals emanated from RFID tags on wrappers that are removed from used items and placed inside the enclosure. An RFID reader decodes the medical item information encoded in the RFID tags. A computer processor executes a medical item inventory module including instructions for generating a post-op list of medical items consumed during the medical procedure. Item billing information and usage trend information may be derived from the post-op list. Also, Latex alerts and item expiration alerts may be generated based on information encoded in the RFID tags.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. Nos. 61/900,064, filed Nov. 5, 2013, titled “System for Sensing and Recording Consumption of Medical Items During Surgical Procedure,” 61/993,578, filed May 15, 2014, titled “System for Sensing and Recording Consumption of Medical Items During Medical Procedure,” and 62/007,601, filed Jun. 4, 2014, titled “Customer Management of Custom Medical Procedural Trays With E-Commerce Interface,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates to the field of medical item inventory management. More particularly, this invention relates to a system for sensing and recording items that have been consumed during a medical procedure. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The use of medical supplies and sterile medical devices in the provision of health care services is one of the most significant expenses incurred by most health care facilities. Depending upon the nature and complexity of the medical procedure being performed, a large number of supply items may be used during a medical procedure and, given the priorities of medical personnel involved in the procedure, the ability to track the supplies, gather data about supply utilization and consumption, and record that data in a useable format can be especially difficult. While hospitals and other health care facilities may have sophisticated information systems related to supply inventory management and procedure-based supply requirements, such systems are not able to provide consistent data analysis of supply utilization and optimization if the usage data is not recorded diligently. 
         [0004]    In a typical hospital, there are multiple different information systems that are utilized for managing supply inventory and for insuring that the proper supplies are provided for each medical procedure, such as a particular surgery. In the first instance, the hospital supply department will typically have an inventory management system that tracks medical supply inventory, identifies the location of that inventory and records inventory levels as supplies are withdrawn for usage or replaced with new shipments of supplies or re-stocks from previously withdrawn but unused supplies. This inventory management system typically tracks the location of supplies in multiple locations throughout the hospital. In some hospitals, this inventory process is still a manual process. 
         [0005]    Another common type of information system in a typical hospital that interfaces with the inventory management system is the Operating Room Information System (ORIS). The typical ORIS will provide functionality such as scheduling the operating rooms for procedures, identifying the type of procedure to be performed, identifying the doctor performing the procedure, identifying the assisting nurse(s), and maintaining lists of supplies, devices and instruments (Bills of Materials, or BOM&#39;s) that should be provided for each procedure. Typically, these BOM&#39;s are specific to (1) the type of procedure being performed and (2) the physician performing the procedure. These BOM&#39;s are often maintained in a form known as Doctor Preference Cards. 
         [0006]    It is common for the hospital inventory management system to interface with the ORIS in order to insure that the right supplies, devices and instruments are in stock and available for the upcoming scheduled medical procedures. Prior to each case, the BOM for a given procedure and physician is used to pull the appropriate supplies, devices and instruments for that case. 
         [0007]    During the case, supply, device and instrument utilization for the procedure should be logged and unused items returned to inventory. When properly logged, useful data about supply utilization is captured and communicated to both the ORIS system and the inventory management system. That data can subsequently be used to capture cost information for the procedure, update the inventory system, prompt necessary re-orders and, as the data for multiple procedures and physicians is accumulated, to analyze supply cost and utilization information for optimization of BOM&#39;s to reduce supply waste and identify supply cost savings opportunities. 
         [0008]    If accurate information about the consumption of supplies, devices and instruments is not captured, then the ability to identify savings opportunities or to accurately bill for all consumed supply items is lost. It is difficult to insure that this logging step is performed accurately and consistently, since the medical personnel are primarily concerned with insuring the success of the medical procedure. Often, the medical personnel do not have time during the procedure to manually log information into a computer for used items that do not include barcodes, or to scan the barcodes of used items that have barcodes. As a result, much of the information winds up being lost during the turnover of the medical procedure room from one case to another. Another problem with inaccurately recording usage information is the possibility of erroneously charging for items that were not used, which can raise regulatory issues. 
         [0009]    The use of RFID tags as part of the inventory control system has potential to facilitate the logging of the supply consumption more accurately and efficiently. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    In one aspect, embodiments of the invention use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags to provide the following general functions: (1) identifying medical items or other resources that enter a room or other space in a medical facility; (2) determining where those medical items or other resources came from; and (3) determining whether those medical items or other resources were consumed during a medical procedure performed in the room or space. 
         [0011]    In preferred embodiments of the present invention, each item pulled for use during a particular medical procedure in accordance with the Bill of Materials (BOM) for the procedure and the physician includes an RFID tag affixed to the item&#39;s outer packaging. These RFID tags contain appropriate inventory information regarding each item as maintained in the inventory control system and the Operating Room Information System (ORIS). Each individual item that might be used can be tracked through use of the RFID tags and appropriate RFID reader technology. 
         [0012]    In preferred embodiments, each Operating Room (OR) or other procedure room has a shielded enclosure with multiple RFID antennas disposed inside. Preferably, a waste bin or receptacle is disposed in the shielded enclosure. This shielded enclosure and an RFID reader connected to the antennas may be conveniently located near the location where the sterile medical supplies are typically opened by the circulating nurse or other OR personnel responsible for setting up the OR for each procedure, such as near the OR back table. The RFID reader is preferably configured so as to only sense RFID tags that are inside the enclosure and not to sense RFID tags outside the enclosure. 
         [0013]    Some preferred embodiments include a portal containing multiple RFID antennas connected to an RFID reader for reading RFID tags on medial items that are passed through the portal. The RFID reader connected to the portal antennas is preferably configured so as to only sense RFID tags that are inside the portal and not to sense RFID tags outside the portal. Preferably, the portal is also conveniently located near the location where the sterile medical supplies are typically opened by the circulating nurse or other personnel responsible for setting up the room for each procedure. The portal may also be located in areas where supplies are stored outside the procedure room and at other transition locations in the medical facility. 
         [0014]    Once the packaging of a medical supply is opened, that item is considered “consumed” because the packaging has been compromised and it cannot be re-stocked. In preferred embodiments, as the packaging of medical supply items having RFID tags are opened, the packaging is dropped into the waste bin inside the shielded enclosure and the reader reads the RFID tags on that packaging. The RFID reader is connected to a data collection interface, such as an ORIS computer terminal, a tablet computer or smart phone, and the consumption information for each item is logged. 
         [0015]    This system provides an accurate way to track supply utilization that does not require additional data input steps from the OR personnel. Simply throwing the discarded packaging into a waste bin, which is normal procedure, allows for the RFID tagged supplies to be registered as consumed. 
         [0016]    In a further preferred embodiment, a stock bin is provided. Prior to performance of a medical procedure, all RFID-tagged medical supply items that were pulled from the supply room or supply cabinet are placed in the stock bin, the stock bin is moved through the portal or is placed inside the shielded enclosure, and the RFID reader reads the data from the RFID tags on the packaging. In this manner, pre-op data regarding items pulled for use according to a particular BOM can be captured for a given case. 
         [0017]    Following the conclusion of the procedure, all RFID-tagged medical supply items that have not been opened, which are thus eligible for re-stocking, are placed into the stock bin, the stock bin is moved through the portal or is placed inside the shielded enclosure, and the RFID reader reads the data from the RFID tags on the packaging. In this manner, post-op data regarding both consumption and non-consumption relative to a given BOM can be captured for a given case. In some embodiments, the RFID reader is connected through a data interface into the ORIS system or the inventory management system and the data regarding the non-consumed items are captured. The process preferably associates medical items (and/or their manufacturer&#39;s lot number) and instrument trays to specific patients in the event of a recall or negative occurrence that is determined post-case. 
         [0018]    Once the pre-op data and post-op data are accurately collected, the data can be very useful in myriad ways. Since consumption data is accurately determined through the sensing of packaging in the waste bin, billing for medical items consumed in the case can be more accurately reflected on the patient&#39;s bill, allowing the hospital to more accurately charge for the procedure. If the stock bin option is included, this ensures that items pulled for the procedure that were detected in the pre-op scan, but were not consumed during the procedure are properly returned to inventory. This process also digitally tracks the movement of each item through various transition locations in the medical facility. This makes it possible to identify excessive handling of items and potential exposures to infectious patients. 
         [0019]    More sophisticated data analysis can lead to significant cost improvements, such as by trending consumption and non-consumption for multiple procedures and doctors. 
         [0020]    Some preferred embodiments provide an apparatus for sensing and recording consumption of medical items during performance of a medical procedure. The medical items are at least initially enclosed in wrappers having RFID tags disposed in or on the wrappers. Medical item information regarding the medical items is encoded in the RFID tags. 
         [0021]    The apparatus includes a shielded enclosure having an internal space for receiving the wrappers of the medical items. The shielded enclosure is configured to attenuate radio frequency signals emanated from RFID tags disposed outside the shielded enclosure to levels that are substantially undetectable within the internal space. 
         [0022]    The apparatus includes one or more RFID antennas disposed within the internal space of the shielded enclosure. The RFID antennas receive radio frequency signals emanated from RFID tags attached to the wrappers disposed within the internal space. The radio frequency signals contain the medical item information encoded in the RFID tags. 
         [0023]    The apparatus also includes at least one RFID reader that is electrically connected to the RFID antennas. The RFID reader decodes the medical item information contained in the radio frequency signals emanated from the RFID tags. 
         [0024]    The apparatus further includes a computer that is in electrical communication with the RFID reader. The computer has a processor for executing a medical item inventory module comprising instructions for receiving the medical item information decoded by the RFID reader and generating a post-op used-item list of medical items consumed during the medical procedure based on the medical item information encoded in the RFID tags attached to a used set of wrappers disposed in the internal space of the shielded enclosure. 
         [0025]    In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a portal having a portal opening and multiple RFID antennas having fields of view directed into the portal opening. The multiple RFID antennas receive radio frequency signals emanated from RFID tags attached to wrappers that are passed through the portal. In this embodiment, the apparatus also includes an RFID reader that is electrically connected to the plurality of RFID antennas of the portal. The RFID reader decodes the medical item information contained in the radio frequency signals emanated from the RFID tags. 
         [0026]    The wrappers may comprise a pre-op set of wrappers that are passed through the portal opening prior to beginning the medical procedure. This pre-op set of wrappers enclose medical items that were picked from inventory to be consumed during the medical procedure. In a preferred embodiment, the medical item inventory module includes instructions for generating a pre-op list of medical items that were picked from inventory to be consumed during the medical procedure. The instructions generate the pre-op list based on medical item information encoded in RFID tags attached to the pre-op set of wrappers. 
         [0027]    The wrappers may comprise an unused set of wrappers that are passed through the portal opening after completion of the medical procedure. This unused set of wrappers enclose medical items that were not consumed during the medical procedure. In a preferred embodiment, the medical item inventory module includes instructions for generating a post-op unused-item list of medical items that were not consumed during the medical procedure based on medical item information encoded in RFID tags attached to the unused set of wrappers. 
         [0028]    In some embodiments, the medical item inventory module includes instructions for comparing the first and post-op unused-item lists to the pre-op list. A first alert message is generated if any item in the pre-op list does not appear in at least one of the post-op lists. A second alert message is generated if any item in the first or post-op unused-item list does not appear in the pre-op list. 
         [0029]    In another aspect, the invention provides a method for sensing and recording consumption of medical items during performance of a medical procedure. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the following steps:
   (a) picking medical items from inventory that are enclosed in wrappers including RFID tags, wherein medical item information regarding the medical items is encoded in the RFID tags;   (b) during performance of the medical procedure, consuming at least some of the medical items picked in step (a);   (c) placing the wrappers of the medical items consumed during performance of the medical procedure into a shielded enclosure;   (d) using one or more RFID antennas disposed inside the shielded enclosure, receiving radio frequency signals emanated from RFID tags attached to the wrappers disposed in the shielded enclosure, where the radio frequency signals contain the medical item information encoded in the RFID tags;   (e) using an RFID reader electrically connected to the one or more RFID antennas, decoding the medical item information contained in the radio frequency signals emanated from the RFID tags;   (f) using a computer processor, generating a post-op used-item list of medical items consumed during the medical procedure based on the medical item information encoded in the RFID tags attached to the wrappers disposed in the shielded enclosure; and   (g) using a computer processor, generating billing information based on the post-op used-item list of medical items consumed during the medical procedure.   
 
         [0037]    Some preferred embodiments of the method also include:
   (h) prior to step (b), passing the medical items picked in step (a) through an opening in a portal;   (i) using RFID antennas disposed in the opening of the portal, receiving radio frequency signals emanated from RFID tags attached to the wrappers of the medical items passed through the opening of the portal;   (j) using an RFID reader electrically connected to the RFID antennas disposed in the opening of the portal, decoding the medical item information contained in the radio frequency signals emanated from the RFID tags; and   (k) using a computer processor, generating a pre-op list of medical items picked from inventory to be used during the medical procedure, the pre-op list generated based on the medical item information encoded in the RFID tags attached to the wrappers of the medical items passed through the opening of the portal in step (h).
 
In some embodiments, the pre-op list is compared to an item pick list for the scheduled procedure to ensure accuracy of the items picked.
   
 
         [0042]    Some preferred embodiments also include:
   (l) after step (b), passing medical items picked in step (a) that were not consumed during performance of the medical procedure through the opening of the portal;   (m) using the RFID antennas disposed in the opening of the portal, receiving radio frequency signals emanated from RFID tags attached to the wrappers of the medical items passed through the opening of the portal;   (n) using the RFID reader electrically connected to the RFID antennas disposed in the opening of the portal, decoding the medical item information contained in the radio frequency signals emanated from the RFID tags; and   (o) using a computer processor, generating a post-op unused-item list of medical items picked from inventory but not used during the medical procedure, the post-op unused-item list generated based on the medical item information encoded in the RFID tags attached to the wrappers of the medical items passed through the opening of the portal in step (1).   
 
         [0047]    Some preferred embodiments also include:
   (p) comparing the first and post-op unused-item lists to the pre-op list of medical items that were picked from inventory to be consumed during the medical procedure;   (q) generating a first alert message if any item in the pre-op list does not appear in at least one of the first and post-op unused-item lists; and   (r) generating a second alert message if any item in the first or post-op unused-item list does not appear in the pre-op list.   
 
         [0051]    In another aspect, the invention provides a method for sensing and recording consumption of medical items during performance of a medical procedure. A preferred embodiment of the method includes the following steps:
   (a) sensing that a medical item having an RFID tag has entered a medical procedure room using an RFID sensor attached to a portal associated with the room; and   (b) sensing that the medical item having the RFID tag has been consumed during the medical procedure using an RFID sensor associated with a waste container located in the room.   
 
         [0054]    Some preferred embodiments also include:
   (c) storing in a database a lot identification number associated with the medical item having the RFID tag, wherein the lot identification number identifies a manufacturer&#39;s lot number for the medical item;   (d) storing in the database a patient identification number associated with the patient on which the medical procedure was performed during which the medical item was consumed; and   (e) associating in the database the lot identification number and the patient identification number based upon sensing that the medical item was consumed during performance of the medical procedure on the patient.   
 
         [0058]    In another aspect, the invention provides a method for sensing and recording utilization of medical resources in performance of a medical procedure in a medical facility. A preferred embodiment of the method includes the following steps:
   (a) attaching an RFID tag to each of a plurality of medical resources, the RFID tag containing medical resource information that uniquely identifies the medical resource on which the RFID tag is attached, the plurality of medical resources including a first medical resource;   (b) disposing a first portal at a first transition location within the medical facility, the first portal comprising a first portal opening and one or more first RFID antennas having fields of view directed to the first portal opening;   (c) disposing a second portal at a second transition location within the medical facility, the second portal comprising a second portal opening and one or more second RFID antennas having fields of view directed to the second portal opening;   (d) the one or more first RFID antennas receiving radio frequency signals emanated from an RFID tag attached to the first medical resource as the first medical resource passes through the first portal;   (e) the one or more second RFID antennas receiving radio frequency signals emanated from the RFID tag attached to the first medical resource as the first medical resource passes through the second portal;   (f) decoding the medical resource information contained in the radio frequency signals emanated from the RFID tag attached to the first medical resource;   (g) detecting the presence of the first medical resource at the first transition location, the detecting based on the medical resource information decoded from the radio frequency signals emanated from the RFID tag attached to the first medical resource passing through the first portal at the first transition location;   (h) detecting the presence of the first medical resource at the second transition location, the detecting based on the medical resource information decoded from the radio frequency signals emanated from the RFID tag attached to the first medical resource passing through the second portal at the second transition location;   (i) determining a travel route of the first medical resource based at least in part on a time of detection of the first medical resource at the first transition location relative to a time of detection of the first medical resource at the second transition location; and   (j) creating a utilization profile for the first medical resource based on the travel route.   
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0069]    Other embodiments of the invention will become apparent by reference to the detailed description in conjunction with the figures, wherein elements are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein: 
           [0070]      FIG. 1  depicts a system for sensing and recording consumption of medical items during a medical procedure according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0071]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  depict shielded enclosures according to embodiments of the invention; 
           [0072]      FIG. 3  depicts a method for sensing and recording consumption of medical items during a medical procedure according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0073]      FIG. 4  depicts a method for programming RFID tags for use on medical items according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0074]      FIGS. 5A-5C  depict display screens displayed to a user of the system while performing the method depicted in  FIG. 4  according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0075]      FIG. 6  depicts a method for programming RFID tags for use on storage bins used for carrying medical items according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0076]      FIGS. 7A-7C  depict display screens displayed to a user of the system while performing the method depicted in  FIG. 6  according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0077]      FIG. 8  depicts a method for reading RFID tags on medical items placed in the shielded enclosure according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0078]      FIGS. 9A-9C  depict display screens displayed to a user of the system while performing the method depicted in  FIG. 8  according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0079]      FIG. 10  depicts a method for reading RFID tags on medical items passed through a portal according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0080]      FIGS. 11A-11B  depict display screens displayed to a user of the system while performing the method depicted in  FIG. 10  according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0081]      FIG. 12  depicts a method for searching for medical items having RFID tags that have been scanned into the system according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0082]      FIG. 13  depicts a method for searching for medical items and retrieving item data according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0083]      FIG. 14  depicts a method for system maintenance according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0084]      FIG. 15  depicts a display screen displayed to a user of the system while performing the method depicted in  FIG. 12  according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0085]      FIG. 16  depicts a display screen displayed to a user of the system while performing the method depicted in  FIG. 13  according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0086]      FIG. 17  depicts a display screen displayed to a user of the system while performing the method depicted in  FIG. 14  according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0087]      FIGS. 18A-18F  depict a portal according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0088]      FIGS. 19 and 20  depict processes for sensing and recording utilization of medical resources in the performance of a medical procedure in a medical facility according to embodiments of the invention; and 
           [0089]      FIGS. 21 and 22  depict processes for generating alerts based on utilization of medical resources in the performance of a medical procedure in a medical facility according to embodiments of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0090]    As the term is used herein, a “medical item” is an item, material or substance that is used or consumed during the performance of a medical procedure. For example, sponges, gloves and drapes are medical items. A surgical implant is another example of a medical item. Medical items comprise a subset of “medical resources.” As the term is used herein, a “medical resource” is any item, person, piece of equipment, or space involved in providing medical services for a patient. For example, a gurney on which a patient lies during a surgical procedure is a medical resource. The doctor performing the procedure, the attending nurses, and the patient are also medical resources. An operating room is a medical resource. 
         [0091]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a system  10  for sensing and logging consumption of medical items during a medical procedure includes a shielded enclosure  12  having a space  16  that is large enough to receive a waste bin  18 . Disposed within the enclosure  12  are two RFID antennas  14   a  and  14   b , such as Laird 5×5 inch Mini Far Field antennas (model number S9025PLNF) having left-hand circular polarization and operating in the 902-928 MHz frequency range. One of the antennas  14   a  is preferably disposed at the top of the enclosure  12 , with its field of view looking downward into the space  16 . The other RFID antenna  14   b  is preferably disposed at the bottom of the enclosure  12 , with its field of view looking upward into the space  16 . The RFID antennas  14   a - 14   b  are electrically connected, such as via a coaxial cable, to a UHF RFID tag reader  28 . In a preferred embodiment, the RFID tag reader  28  is an Impinj® Speedway® model R420. 
         [0092]    Preferred embodiments of the shielded enclosure  12  are shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , wherein the sidewalls are depicted as transparent. The enclosure  12  is preferably made from 0.080 inch thick sheet aluminum supported by 0.75×0.75 inch square aluminum tubing (0.125 thick). The outside dimensions of the preferred embodiment are 23.5×22.0×40.75 inches. 
         [0093]    As the term is used herein, “shielded” means that the enclosure  12  is designed to prevent the antennas  14   a - 14   b  from receiving RFID signals from RFID tags located outside the enclosure  12  at a signal-to-noise ratio high enough to trigger detection of those outside RFID tags. For purposes of this disclosure, “shielded” does not mean that absolutely all RF energy is blocked from entering the enclosure, as this would require unnecessary levels of shielding. 
         [0094]    In some embodiments, an opening  24  is provided in the top of the enclosure that is large enough to receive wrappers or containers  20  from which medical items have been removed. The opening  24  is preferably a 6.75×13.75 inch rectangle. An aluminum cover  25  is provided over the opening  24 . The cover may be slanted as shown in  FIG. 2A  or more box-like as shown in  FIG. 2B  to prevent signals from escaping the enclosure  12 . As shown in  FIG. 2B , the enclosure preferably includes an aluminum chute  23  around the opening  24 , and an aluminum shield  27  around the antenna  14   a . These structures provide further attenuation of RFID signals originating outside the enclosure  12  to prevent those signals from being detected by the antennas  14   a - 14   b . The waste bin  18  is positioned below the opening  24  so that wrappers  20  deposited in the opening  24  fall into the bin  18 . In a preferred embodiment, a hinged door  26  large enough to receive the waste bin  18  is provided in a sidewall of the enclosure  12 . The door  26  is preferably 29.5×39.25 inch, and includes a handle/latch for securing the door in a closed position. The enclosure  12  is considered to be shielded when the door  26  is closed. 
         [0095]    In a preferred embodiment, the system  10  includes a portal  48  having an opening  49  at least large enough to receive the waste bin  18 . The portal  48  is preferably equipped with four RFID antennas  50   a - 50   d  having fields of view looking inward into the portal opening  49 . The RFID antennas  50   a - 50   d  are electrically connected, such as via coaxial cables, to a UHF RFID tag reader  46 . In a preferred embodiment, the RFID tag reader  46  is an Impinj® Speedway® model R220. In some embodiments, the tag reader  46  and the tag reader  28  comprise a single tag reader. 
         [0096]    As the term is used herein, a “portal” is any passageway, opening, aperture, window, doorway, hallway, pathway, or aisle in or near which one or more RFID antennas are mounted for sensing RFID tags that pass through the portal. A portal may also be a handheld scanning device for reading RFID tags. Several portals may be used to track the routes of travel and locations of medical resources throughout a medical facility. 
         [0097]    In preferred embodiments, portals are placed at “transition locations” within a medical facility. Examples of transition locations include supply rooms, supply cabinets, procedure rooms, waste containers, personnel break rooms, hallways, and points of entry into and exit from the medical facility. 
         [0098]    As the term is used herein, a “wrapper” encompasses all manner of containers and packaging, sterile or non-sterile, in which a medical item is or has been enclosed. The term “wrapper” also includes a label, hang tag, or other such device that may be attached to a medical item without completely enclosing the item. The term “wrapper” further includes packaging for a sterile-wrapped kit of medical items, such as a tray of implants and supplies for use in a surgical procedure, wherein an RFID tag is attached to the tray. Generally, anything that may function to associate an RFID tag with a medical item is encompassed by the term “wrapper.” 
         [0099]    Each wrapper  20  includes an RFID tag attached thereto or embedded therein. Ultra High Frequency (UHF) passive RFID tags are preferred for this application, as they may be interrogated from up to about 30 centimeters away. In preferred embodiments, each RFID tag is encoded with a unique item identification number for the particular medical item associated with the wrapper. An item information database  52  associates each item identification number with item-specific information, such as the manufacturer part number, item description, vendor, cost, Latex content, expiration date, and inventory location. Additionally or alternatively, the RFID tag may be encoded with item-specific information as set forth in Unique Device Identification (UDI) standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 
         [0100]    In some embodiments, item-specific information encoded in RFID tags on medical items may be used to generate alerts for medical personnel. For example, an alert may be generated if information encoded in an RFID tag indicates the presence of Latex in an item, and the patient is allergic to Latex. Also, an alert may be generated if information encoded in an RFID tag indicates that an item&#39;s useful lifetime has expired or if the item is from a lot that has been recalled by the manufacturer. 
         [0101]    The waste bin  18 , also referred to herein as a waste tote, is preferably a plastic container having an open top for receiving wrappers  20 . In some embodiments, an RFID tag  22  encoded with a unique bin identification number is attached to the waste bin  18 . The database  52  associates the bin identification number with a particular procedure room to which the waste bin  18  is assigned. Alternatively, the RFID tag  22  may be encoded with information indicating the procedure room to which the bin  18  is assigned. 
         [0102]    The RFID tag readers  28  and  46  are electrically connected via a local area network (LAN)  42  to a medical item inventory computer  31 , which may be a server computer, desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer or other mobile computing device. Alternatively, the electrical connection between the RFID tag readers  28  and  46  and the computer  31  is via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. The computer  31  includes memory for storing and a processor for executing instructions of a medical item inventory module  40 . In preferred embodiments, the medical item inventory module  40  compiles pre-op and post-op lists of items, compares the lists to detect discrepancies, generates alert messages upon detection of discrepancies, and updates inventory records based on actual item usage. 
         [0103]    In a preferred embodiment, an Operating Room Information System (ORIS) computer  30  is in communication with the medical item inventory computer  31  via a communication network, such as the LAN  42 . The ORIS computer  30  is also in communication with a hospital computer system  32  via a communication network, such as the LAN  42 . In preferred embodiments, the hospital computer system  32  manages medical item inventories, operating room scheduling, patient records, insurance reimbursement/payment functions, and admission/discharge/transfer (ADT) records. The hospital computer system  32  may also include or be connected to an electronic data interchange server, such as a J.D. Edwards/Oracle server, that implements electronic commerce transactions between the hospital and medical item suppliers. 
         [0104]    In some embodiments, the medical item inventory module  40  is a software application running on the computer  31 . In alternative embodiments, the medical item inventory module  40  is executed by a remote computer (outside the OR). For example, the medical item inventory module  40  may be implemented as “software-as-a-service” provided via the Internet by a medical item inventory service provider. 
         [0105]    With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , a preferred embodiment of the system  10  includes a stock bin  34 , which may also be referred to herein as a stock tote. As described in more detail below, the stock bin  34  is used to transfer medical items  38  to be used during a medical procedure from a stock room to the procedure room, and to transfer unused medical items  38  from the procedure room back to the stock room. In some embodiments, an RFID tag  36  is attached to the stock bin  34  that is encoded with a unique bin identification number. The database  52  associates the bin identification number with a particular procedure room or stock room to which the stock bin  34  is assigned. Alternatively, the RFID tag  36  may be encoded with information indicating the procedure room or stock room to which the stock bin  34  is assigned. 
         [0106]      FIG. 3  depicts a preferred embodiment of a process  100  for sensing and recording consumption of medical items during a medical procedure using the system depicted in  FIG. 1 . To begin the process, hospital personnel pick medical items from inventory stock to be used during the medical procedure (step  102  in  FIG. 3 ). For example, the needed items may be listed on a Bill of Materials (BOM) for the particular type of procedure to be performed. In some cases, the BOM also reflects the individual preferences of particular doctors. These types of BOM&#39;s may also be referred to as Doctor Preference Cards. The picked items are placed in the stock bin  34  to be transferred to the OR. 
         [0107]    In one embodiment, the stock bin  34  containing the picked items  38  is placed in or passed through the portal  48  outside the procedure room (step  104 ) and the RFID reader  46  reads the RFID tags on the wrappers of the items  38  in the stock bin  34  (step  106 ). In some embodiments, activation of the reader  28  is triggered manually by a person in the procedure room using an interface device (mouse, touchpad or keyboard) of the computer  31 . 
         [0108]    The item identification numbers read from the RFID tags in the portal  48  are transferred to the medical item inventory computer  31  where the medical item inventory module  40  compiles a pre-op list of the items  38  in the stock bin  34  (step  108 ). In a preferred embodiment, the date/time of the compilation of the list is recorded in the medical item inventory computer  31 , along with the identification number of the stock bin  34 . Other information may be associated with the pre-op list, such as procedure room number, doctor name, patient name, patient age, patient weight, patient allergies, type of medical procedure, and case number. Once the pre-op list is compiled, the RFID reader  28  may be deactivated (step  109 ) and the stock bin  34  removed from the portal  48  (step  110 ). 
         [0109]    Steps  104 - 110  of  FIG. 3  are optional and are not implemented in all embodiments of process  100 . If these steps are not performed, the BOM for the medical procedure may serve the purpose of the pre-op item list. 
         [0110]    The items  38  are preferably removed from the bin  34  and arranged on a table in the procedure room according to the doctor&#39;s or attending nurse&#39;s preference. As the items  38  are used/consumed during the procedure (step  112 ), wrappers  20  removed from the items  38  are dropped through the opening  24  in the enclosure  12  where they are received into the waste bin  18  (step  114 ). When the wrappers  20  enter the enclosure  12 , the RFID tags on the wrappers  20  are detected and read by the reader  28  (step  116 ). It will be appreciated that a waste bin  18  is not absolutely necessary for this process. However, the use of a waste bin  18  makes collection and removal of the wrappers  20  easier. 
         [0111]    The item identification numbers read from the RFID tags in the enclosure  12  are transferred to the medical item inventory computer  31  where the medical item inventory module  40  compiles a post-op used-item list of the wrappers  20  (step  118 ). In a preferred embodiment, the date/time that each wrapper  20  was first detected is recorded in the list. Also, the identification number of the waste bin  18  (if any) and other information may be associated with the post-op used-item list, such as procedure room number, doctor name, patient name, type of medical procedure, and case number. Once the post-op used-item list is compiled, the RFID reader  28  is deactivated (step  119 ) so that it will not read any other tags when the door  26  is opened to remove the wrappers  20  (step  120 ). Deactivation of the reader  28  may be triggered by opening the door  26  of the enclosure  12 . 
         [0112]    In an alternative embodiment, the waste bin  18  remains outside the shielded enclosure  12  during the procedure. As the items  38  are used/consumed during the procedure (step  112 ), wrappers  20  removed from the items  38  are deposited in the waste bin  18 . After completion of the procedure, the waste bin  18  containing the wrappers  20  is placed through the portal  48  (step  114 ), and the reader  28  reads the RFID tags of the wrappers  20  (step  116 ). The post-op used-item list is compiled as described in the previous embodiment (step  118 ). 
         [0113]    In some embodiments, after completion of the medical procedure, all unused items  38  are placed back into the stock bin  34 , and the stock bin  34  is passed through the portal  48  (step  122 ). The reader  28  reads the RFID tags of the unused items  38  (step  124 ), and a post-op unused-item list is compiled (step  126 ). The identification number of the stock bin  34  and other information may be associated with the post-op unused-item list, such as procedure room number, doctor name, patient name, type of medical procedure, and case number. 
         [0114]    Steps  122 - 126  of  FIG. 3  are optional and are not implemented in all embodiments of process  100 . If these steps are not performed, the post-op unused-item list may be generated by comparing the BOM to the post-op used item list. 
         [0115]    Various embodiments of the invention use the pre-op and post-op item lists to implement various advantageous inventory and billing functions. For example, the medical item inventory module  40  may compare the items listed in the pre-op list to the items listed in the post-op used-item list and the post-op unused-item list (step  128 ). If an item in the pre-op list does not appear on either of the post-op lists (step  130 ), this means the item was brought into the procedure room but neither the item nor its wrapper ended up in the stock bin or the waste bin after the procedure. In this case, an alert is generated that causes a message to appear on a display screen of the ORIS computer  30  or the medical item inventory computer  31  (step  132 ). The alert should prompt the procedure room personnel to investigate three possibilities that may have caused the discrepancy: (1) the item is unused and still in the procedure room but was inadvertently not placed back into the stock bin before the post-op unused-item list was compiled, (2) the item was used and its wrapper is still in the procedure room but the wrapper was inadvertently not placed in the waste bin before the post-op used-item list was compiled, or (3) the item and/or its empty wrapper was removed from the procedure room prior to compilation of either of the post-op lists. In any event, the missing item(s) or wrapper(s) should be located and the pre-op and post-op lists reconciled (step  134 ). 
         [0116]    If the comparison of the pre-op and post-op item lists indicates that an item that appears on either of the post-op lists is not on the pre-op list (step  136 ), this means that the item or its wrapper was present in the procedure room when the post-op lists were compiled, but it was (1) not brought into the procedure room in the stock bin with the other items, or (2) brought into the procedure room in the stock bin but was removed from the stock bin prior to compilation of the pre-op list. In this case, an alert is generated which causes a message to appear on a display screen of the computer  31  (step  138 ). The alert should prompt the procedure room personnel to investigate what may have caused the discrepancy and reconcile the pre-op and post-op lists (step  140 ). 
         [0117]    In a preferred embodiment, once the post-op lists are complete and reconciled, the computer  31 , the ORIS computer  30 , or the hospital computer system  32  uses the lists to update the database  52  based on actual item usage (step  142 ). The hospital computer system  32  or the ORIS computer  30  also may use the post-op used-item list to accurately bill the patient (or insurance company) for the items used during the procedure (step  146 ). The stock bin  34  may be returned to the appropriate inventory stock room where the unused items  38  may be returned to inventory (step  144 ). 
         [0118]    In preferred embodiments, the hospital computer system  32  or the Medical Item Inventory Application  40  analyzes the post-op unused-item lists generated during multiple procedures of the same type and for the same doctor to determine trends in the lack of usage of certain medical items that are listed on BOM&#39;s (step  146 ). This trend data may be used to revise the BOM&#39;s for certain procedures/doctors. For example, if the trend data indicates that in 90% of hip replacement surgeries performed by Dr. Jones only three sponges of a particular type are used out of the five called for on the BOM, the BOM may be revised to call for only three sponges. Revisions of this sort would reduce the effort/cost associated with returning unused items to the stock room, and would decrease traffic in and out of the procedure room during a procedure which would decrease the chances of a site infection. Trend data may also be used to determine the optimal locations to store medical supplies and the optimal quantities to store. 
         [0119]      FIG. 4  depicts an embodiment of a method  150  for programming RFID tags for medical items. While running the medical item inventory application, the user selects the “Program Tags” tab on the example display screen depicted in  FIG. 5A  (step  152 ). If the user does not know the item number of the medical item for which a tag is to be programmed (step  154 ), the user may select the “Search” button (step  156 ). This causes the application to display an items list (step  158 ) from which the user selects the item (step  160 ). The user then enters the lot number and expiration date (step  162 ) and selects the “Query Available Tags” button (step  166 ). This activates the RFID reader/writer to detect and display a number of tags that are available for programming (step  168 ). In the example of  FIG. 5B , the RFID reader/writer detected fifteen tags available for programming. Before programming the tags with item information, the user has an opportunity to edit the item information (step  170 ). If the item information is complete and accurate, the user selects the “Confirm and Program” button (step  172 ). This causes the RFID reader/writer to program the available RFID tags with the item information (step  174 ). The number of tags that are successfully programmed are indicated as “Number of Successful Writes” as shown in  FIG. 5C  (step  176 ). The user then selects the “Continue” button (step  178 ), which causes the application to associate the newly programmed tags with the item number in the database  52  (step  180 ). 
         [0120]      FIG. 6  depicts an embodiment of a method  190  for programming RFID tags for bins or totes, such as the waste bin  18  or the storage bin  34 . While running the medical item inventory application, the user selects the “Program Totes” tab on the example display screen depicted in  FIG. 6A  (step  192 ). The user then enters the item number for the tote (step  194 ) and selects the “Query Available Tags” button (step  196 ). This activates the RFID reader/writer to detect the number of tags that are available for programming (step  198 ) and display the available number on the display device (step  200 ). In the example of  FIG. 7B , the RFID reader/writer detected three tags available for programming. If the user wishes to proceed with the programming process, the user selects the “Confirm and Program” button (step  204 ). This causes the RFID reader/writer to program the available RFID tags with the tote information (step  206 ). The number of tags that are successfully programmed are indicated as “Number of Successful Writes” as shown in  FIG. 7C  (step  176 ). The user then selects the “Continue” button (step  208 ), which causes the application to associate the newly programmed tags with non-consumable totes in the database  52  (step  210 ). The programmed tags are then attached to the totes (step  212 ). 
         [0121]      FIG. 8  depicts an embodiment of a method  220  for reading RFID tags on items dropped into the shielded enclosure  12 . While running the medical item inventory application, the user selects the “Dynamic Scan” tab on the example display screen depicted in  FIG. 9A  and selects the scan type, such as “Intra-Op” from the dropdown list (step  222 ). When the user selects the “Begin Scan” button (step  224 ), the RFID tag reader  28  is activated and begins reading the tags of any items or item wrappers dropped into the enclosure  12  (step  226 ). As shown in  FIG. 9B , information regarding all tagged items detected by the RFID tag reader is displayed on the display device (step  228 ). In this example, three tagged items or item wrappers were detected: (1) item 5-2711 Scalpel Stainless . . . , (2) item TOTE, and (3) item 712542 Drape Hand 114 x . . . . If at some point during the medical procedure the waste bin within the enclosure needs to be emptied, the user selects the “Pause Scan” button in  FIG. 9B  (step  232 ), which causes the application to stop the RFID tag reader and display “Paused” on the screen as shown in  FIG. 9C  (step  234 ). After the full bin has been replaced with an empty bin in the enclosure (step  236 ), the user selects the “Continue” button (step  238 ), which causes the RFID tag reader  28  to resume reading the tags of any additional items or item wrappers dropped into the enclosure  12  (step  226 ). When the medical procedure is complete and no more wrappers are to be dropped into the enclosure  12  (step  240 ), the user selects the “Stop Scan” button (step  242 ), which causes the RFID tag reader  28  to cease detecting RFID tags in the enclosure (step  246 ). The user then selects the “Write Scans” button (step  250 ) at which point the application stores in the database  52  all the item information regarding items or item wrappers that were placed into the enclosure during the medical procedure (step  252 ). 
         [0122]      FIG. 10  depicts an embodiment of a method  260  for reading RFID tags on items passed through the portal  48 . While running the medical item inventory application, the user selects the “Static Scan” tab (step  262 ) on the example display screen depicted in  FIG. 11A  and selects the scan type, such as “OR Pre-Op” from the dropdown list (step  264 ). The user then enters the case number for the medical procedure (step  266 ) and selects the “Scan” button (step  268 ). The application then activates the RFID tag reader  28 , which begins reading the tags of any items or item wrappers within the field of view the antennas in the portal opening  49  (step  270 ). When the user pushes a tote containing RFID-tagged items through the portal opening  49  (step  272 ), the RFID tag reader  46  reads the tags of the items in the tote and the application displays a list of the items on the display device as shown in  FIG. 11B  (step  274 ). The user then selects the “Write Scans” button (step  278 ) at which point the application stores in the database  52  all the item information regarding items that were passed through the portal (step  280 ). 
         [0123]      FIG. 12  depicts an embodiment of a method  290  for viewing listings of items whose RFID tags have been read and entered into the database  52 . While running the medical item inventory application, the user selects the “View Scans” tab (step  292 ) on the example display screen as depicted in  FIG. 15  and chooses to search by item, by case number or by Electronic Product Code (EPC) (step  294 ). As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the EPC is a unique number that identifies a specific item in the supply chain. When the user enters the search criteria (such as CASE123) in the text box (step  296 ) and selects the “Search” button (step  298 ), the application retrieves item information from the database  52  regarding all items scanned in association with CASE123 and displays a list of the item information on the display device as shown in  FIG. 15  (step  300 ). 
         [0124]      FIG. 13  depicts an embodiment of a method  310  for viewing listings of items having information stored the database  52 . While running the medical item inventory application, the user selects the “Items” tab (step  312 ) on the example display screen as depicted in  FIG. 16  and enters an item number or item keywords in the search text box (step  314 ). When the user selects the “Search” button (step  316 ), the application retrieves item information regarding all items in the database  52  and displays a list of the item information on the display device as shown in  FIG. 16  (step  318 ). If the list indicates that RFID tags have not yet been programmed for an item (step  320 ), the user may select the “Program” button (step  322 ) which will cause the application to display the “Program Tags” tab (step  324 ). 
         [0125]      FIG. 14  depicts an embodiment of a method  330  for performing maintenance tasks related to the database  52  and the LAN  42 . While running the medical item inventory application, the user selects the “Maintenance” tab (step  332 ) on the example display screen as depicted in  FIG. 17  and enters the network address of the database  52  (step  334 ). The user may then select the “Test” button to test the connection to the database  52  (step  336 ). If the test indicates a successful connection, the user may select the “Save” button to store the database address information (step  340 ). The “Maintenance” tab also allows the user to test the network connection to the RFID tag reader(s) by entering the IP address in the address box (step  342 ) and selecting the “Test” button (step  344 ). If the test indicates a successful connection, the user may select the “Save” button to store the IP address information (step  348 ). 
         [0126]    Various embodiments described herein provide systems for sensing RFID tags attached to various medical resources at various transition locations throughout a medical facility, for tracking routes of movement of the medical resources based on the sensing of the RFID tags, for detecting relationships between medical resources based on sensing their RFID tags at the same transition locations during overlapping time periods, for analyzing utilization of the medical resources, and for developing utilization profiles. For example,  FIG. 19  depicts an embodiment of a process  400  for analyzing the utilization of two different medical resources based on sensing (or not sensing) their RFID tags at two different transition locations within a medical facility. The process  400  involves attaching RFID tags to medical resources (step  402 ), disposing RFID-sensing portals at various transition locations within the medical facility (step  404 ), reading medical resource information from the RFID tags using the portals (step  406  and  412 ), and decoding the medical resource information to identify the medical resources (step  408  and  414 ) and determine various characteristics of the resources as described in more detail below. 
         [0127]    For example, with continued reference to  FIG. 19 , a first medical resource is detected at a first transition location at a time T1 (step  410 ) and at a second transition location at a time T2 (step  416 ). Based on these detections, the system determines that the first medical resource traveled from the first transition location to the second transition location between times T1 and T2 (step  418 ). Based on this route of travel and the times of detection, the system creates a utilization profile for the first medical resource (step  420 ). 
         [0128]    A second medical resource is detected at the first transition location at a time T3 (step  422 ), which may be less than, greater than, or equal to time T1. The second medical resource is again detected at the first transition location at a time T4 (step  426 ), which is occurs after time T3 (T4&gt;T3). There is no detection of the second medical resource at the second transition location between times T3 and T4 (step  424 ). Based on these detections, the system determines that the second medical resource traveled from the first transition location back to the first transition location between times T3 and T4, and did not travel to the second transition location (step  428 ). Based on this route of travel and the times of detection, the system creates a utilization profile for the second medical resource (step  430 ). 
         [0129]    In the example of  FIG. 19 , the first transition location may be an entrance/exit door of a medical procedure room PR1 within a medical facility, the second transition location may be a waste container WC1 within the medical procedure room PR1, the first medical resource may be a first medical item that was picked to be used during a medical procedure MP1 in the procedure room PR1, and the second medical resource may be a second medical item that was picked to be used during the same medical procedure MP1 in the procedure room PR1. Based on the detections described above, the system determines that the first medical item entered the medical procedure room PR1 (first transition location) at time T1, and it or its wrapper was deposited in the waste container WC1 (second transition location) at time T2. Based on this route of travel, the system creates a utilization profile indicating that the first medical item was used or consumed during the medical procedure MP1. Also based on the detections described above, the system determines that the second medical item entered the medical procedure room PR1 (first transition location) at time T3, exited the medical procedure room PR1 (first transition location) at time T4, and was not deposited in the waste container WC1 (second transition location). Based on this route of travel, the system creates a utilization profile indicating that the second medical item was brought into the medical procedure room PR1, but was not used during the medical procedure MP1. 
         [0130]      FIG. 20  depicts an embodiment of a process  440  for analyzing the utilization of three different medical resources based on their RFID tags being sensed (or not sensed) at two different transition locations within a medical facility. The process  440  involves reading medical resource information from RFID tags attached to three medical resources—a first medical item, a doctor, and a patient—using portals at the entrance/exit of a procedure room PR1 and on a waste container WC1 (step  442  and  448 ), and decoding the medical resource information to identify the medical resources (step  444  and  450 ) and determine various characteristics of the resources. As in the previous example, the system determines that the first medical item entered the medical procedure room PR1 at time T1, and it or its wrapper was deposited in the waste container WC1 at time T2 (step  454 ). Based on this route of travel, the system creates a utilization profile indicating that the first medical item was used during the medical procedure MP1 (step  456 ). 
         [0131]    With continued reference to  FIG. 20 , the system detects the doctor D1 entering the medical procedure room PR1 at time T3 which may be less than, greater than, or equal to time T1 (step  458 ). The doctor D1 is detected leaving the medical procedure room PR1 at time T4 which is greater than T1 and T3 (step  460 ). Based on this route of travel, the system creates a utilization profile indicating that the doctor D1 was involved in a medical procedure MP1 in the procedure room PR1 between times T3 and T4 (step  464 ). In preferred embodiments, the utilization profile for the doctor D1 indicates that the first medical item was consumed or used during a medical procedure MP1 performed by the doctor D1. In some embodiments, the utilization profile for the first medical item also indicates that the first medical item was consumed or used during a medical procedure MP1 performed by the particular doctor D1. 
         [0132]    With continued reference to  FIG. 20 , the system detects the patient P1 entering the medical procedure room PR1 at time T5 which may be less than, greater than, or equal to time T1 (step  466 ). The patient P1 is detected leaving the medical procedure room PR1 at time T6 that is greater than T1 and T5 (step  468 ). Based on this route of travel, the system creates a utilization profile indicating that the patient P1 was involved in a medical procedure MP1 in the procedure room PR1 between times T5 and T6 (step  470 ). In preferred embodiments, the utilization profile for the patient P1 also indicates that the first medical item was consumed or used during the medical procedure MP1 performed on the patient P1 by the particular doctor D1. In some embodiments, the utilization profile for the first medical item also indicates that the first medical item was consumed or used during the medical procedure MP1 performed on the particular patient P1. In some embodiments, the utilization profile for the doctor D1 also indicates that the first medical item was consumed or used during the medical procedure MP1 performed on the particular patient P1. 
         [0133]      FIG. 21  depicts a preferred embodiment of a process  480  for generating an alert based on utilization of medical resources in the performance of a medical procedure in a medical facility. This process  480  analyzes the utilization of two different medical resources based on sensing their RFID tags at the same transition location within the medical facility. The process  480  involves reading medical resource information from RFID tags attached to the two medical resources—a first medical item and a patient P1—using portals at the entrance/exit of a procedure room PR1 (step  482 ), and decoding the medical resource information to identify the medical resources (step  484 ) and to determine various characteristics of the resources. For example, the medical resource information decoded at step  484  may indicate whether the first medical item contains a potential allergenic, such as Latex, and whether the patient P1 is allergic to any drugs or substances, such as Latex. Using the decoded information, the system detects that the first medical item entered the medical procedure room PR1 (step  486 ) at a certain time and that the patient P1 entered the medical procedure room PR1 at a certain time (step  492 ). If the first medical item contains a substance to which the patient P1 is allergic, and the first medical item and the patient P1 are in the procedure room PR1 simultaneously (steps  488 ,  494  and  496 ), the system generates an alert informing personnel in the procedure room PR1 of the potential for a harmful allergic reaction (step  498 ). This alert may be audible (siren) and visible (strobe lights) in the procedure room, and it may be sent via electronic messaging to other personnel within the medical facility to give notice of the situation. In preferred embodiments, the occurrence of such an event is also reflected in the utilization profile of the patient P1. 
         [0134]    In some embodiments, the system generates a potential allergic reaction alert if an RFID reader portal at the doorway of a supply room detects a medical item leaving the supply room that was picked for use during a medical procedure involving a patient that is allergic to a substance in the medical item. This detection could also be made by any RFID reader portal at any transition location between the supply room and the medical procedure MOM. 
         [0135]      FIG. 22  depicts a preferred embodiment of another process  500  for generating an alert based on utilization of medical resources in the performance of a medical procedure in a medical facility. This process  500  analyzes the utilization of two different medical resources based on sensing their RFID tags at the same transition location within the medical facility. The process  500  involves reading medical resource information from RFID tags attached to the two medical resources—a first medical item and a patient P1—using portals at the entrance/exit of a procedure room PR1 (step  502 ), and decoding the medical resource information to identify the medical resources (step  504 ) and to determine various characteristics of the resources. For example, the medical resource information decoded at step  504  may indicate that the patient P1 is infected with a highly infectious contagion, such as Methicillin-resistant  Staphylococcus aureus  (MRSA). Using the decoded information, the system detects that the first medical item entered the medical procedure room PR1 (step  506 ) at time T1 and that the patient P1 entered the medical procedure room PR1 at a certain time (step  514 ). The system later detects that the first medical item has exited the medical procedure room PR1 (step  508 ) at time T2. If the first medical item was not deposited in a hazardous waste container prior to leaving the procedure room PR1, and the first medical item and the patient P1 were in the procedure room PR1 simultaneously, and the patient P1 is infected with a contagion such as MRSA (steps  510 ,  516 ,  518 ), the system generates an alert informing personnel in the procedure room PR1 of a potential for spread of a highly infectious contagion due to possible contact with the first medical item (step  520 ). This alert may be audible (siren) and visible (strobe lights) in the procedure room, and it may be sent via electronic messaging to other personnel within the medical facility to give notice of the situation. In preferred embodiments, the occurrence of such an event is also reflected in the utilization profile of the first medical item. In some situations, the determination that the patient is infected (step  516 ) may be made after the procedure is complete and the patient has left the procedure room. In such situations, the system will generate the alert (step  520 ) after information indicating the patient&#39;s infection is entered into the patient&#39;s record (the medical resource information for the patient.) 
         [0136]    The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.