Applications

RFID that survives gamma sterilization

Leading medical device and life sciences companies have automated manufacturing and logistics processes using RFID – except perhaps in the application where it is most needed: gamma sterilizable devices, implants and equipment that make multiple cycles through the logistics chain.

Millions of medical devices flow through the supply chain every week.  Many of them are designed for specialized procedures, such as orthopedic implants or cardiac stents. Shipped in color-coded kits, with multiple sizes, the kits are returned to the manufacturer with a single device missing:  the one used during the procedure.  Now the medical device manufacturer must correctly receive the remainder of the kit, sterilize the components and place them in inventory for upcoming shipments – a labor-intensive process with a very high cost of errors.

Traditional RFID chips cannot survive this sterilization process as the radiation causes the memory to be corrupted. In contrast. tags using the Tego Chip™ can withstand gamma radiation, nuclear radiation, chemical agents, and extreme temperatures. Tego technology has been tested at up to three times normal sterilization levels, and through multiple cycles. In a recent test, the results were as follows:

After being subjected to multiple gamma sterilization cycles, Tego RFID chips retained their memory with no bit errors in 37 million bits tested.

Tracking individual devices with Tego Chips enables manufacturers to automate reverse logistics processes for sterlizable items (which typically comprise 15-50% of all medical devices) along with the rest of their inventory, and deliver significant advantages as follows:

• Labor savings in returns and rekitting process
• Faster turn-around times
• Increased accuracy
• Improved record-keeping