Why It’s Time to Upgrade Your Barcode Scanners

From positive patient identification and medication administration to electronic medical record access and inventory management, there are many applications for barcode scanners in healthcare. Caregivers work with them in patient rooms, nurses’ stations, the pharmacy, lab, and other settings throughout every shift. A scanner that delivers trouble-free results improves efficiency and streamlines workflows, but one that’s hard to use or unreliable can cause serious problems. That makes it critical to ensure that your barcode scanners are fully up to every task.

Today, manufacturers such as Zebra engineer and build barcode scanners that are purpose-built for healthcare environments and applications. The latest models are packed with performance-boosting features that can enhance productivity and reliability. They almost always scan faster, more accurately, and at longer ranges than older models. So, if your existing scanners have been on the job for a while or just aren’t delivering the results you need, here are some benefits of upgrading to consider.

Easier to clean

In healthcare settings, it’s always been critical to keep devices clean to prevent the spread of infection, but that’s really come into focus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since barcode scanners are often used by several different staff members throughout a single shift or shared by caregivers across multiple shifts, a key consideration should be how well the device stands up to frequent cleaning when they’re used in healthcare applications,

That’s why Zebra’s healthcare scanners feature a purpose-built housing that helps offer protection against the spread of bacteria. Some include a crevice-free surface that helps eliminate places where germs can hide, and every Zebra healthcare scanner features durable materials that are engineered not just for heavy duty cycles, but also to withstand repeated exposure to common antiseptic cleaners.

Longer battery life

Cordless barcode scanners offer a lot of convenience, but the benefits disappear if the battery can’t keep up through an entire shift. In fact, one of the top reasons to consider upgrading your cordless scanners is simply because the batteries don’t perform.

Today’s newest healthcare scanners are designed with long-lasting batteries that far outperform previous generation devices. For example, Zebra’s cordless DS8178-HC comes standard with a PowerPrecision battery that’s capable of capturing over 75,000 barcodes in a single charge. That’s a lot of wristbands, specimen labels, and medical records!

More adaptability

Over time, your workflows change; if you’re barcode scanners don’t offer the flexibility or performance needed to keep up with the changes, it’s probably time to consider an upgrade.

You’ll find that next-generation scanners are often packed with features that make them easy to adapt and integrate into your everyday processes. Cordless options really open up the possibilities to improve workflows and maximize efficiency. And simple features like the ability to mount the scanner on a mobile workstation or a built-in work light that eliminates the need to switch on the lights in a darkened patient room can make a big impact on usability. Many of the latest scanners also offer advanced options, like adding radio frequency identification (RFID) capability, that you might not find on older models.
Zebra CS60-HC Healthcare Series Companion Scanner

The Zebra CS60-HC barcode scanner is a great example of the options available when you upgrade to the latest barcode scanning technology. It offers an ultra-versatile platform that easily adapts to any clinician workflow. The groundbreaking design easily converts between corded and cordless operation and can be used in handheld or hands-free applications. That makes it the high-performance scanner you can buy today with the ability to meet new workflow challenges tomorrow.

Also, since Zebra’s CS60-HC scanner is suited to a wide range of healthcare applications, you won’t need to purchase different models for different applications. That will simplify the accessories you need, make it easier for your IT staff to configure and manage the scanners, and lower your operational costs.

SK&T has the expertise and insight needed to help you evaluate all of your barcode scanning solutions. Contact us today to learn more about Zebra’s industry-leading lineup of purpose-built healthcare scanners.

Get it Together: Zebra Solutions for Ambulatory Surgery Centers and Healthcare Clinics

Small healthcare facilities like ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and clinics have most of the same technology needs as large hospitals, just on a smaller scale. Workflows such as admitting and identifying patients, accessing and updating health records, collecting samples, and dispensing medications are common at every level of the healthcare industry.

When it comes to technology, the big difference between large organizations like hospitals and smaller facilities like ASCs isn’t really the technology, it’s the resources that are available to manage that technology. The limited IT and administrative resources available in smaller facilities puts a huge premium on solutions that are easy to deploy, easy to use, and easy to manage.

One way to minimize technology challenges and make the most of available IT resources in smaller healthcare facilities is to look for a partner and supplier that can cover all the bases. Using products that share a common ecosystem can smooth out the bumps in everything from training to security updates and make it much easier to enable staff collaboration. That’s why SK&T works so closely with Zebra: we know that Zebra offers end-to-end technology solutions that are purpose-built to stand up to the rigors of busy healthcare environments of any size

Here’s a quick outline of some of the key use cases Zebra products can help you address.

Positive Patient Identification:
Zebra’s patient identification solutions allow you to access and confirm essential patient information from admission to discharge. In fact, patient identification is a perfect example of the way Zebra’s solutions tie everything together, from wristbands and printers, to barcode scanners and mobile computers. The net result is a comprehensive patient identification solution that enhances patient safety, improves clinical workflows, and reduces costs.

Streamline Scanning:
Zebra offers the industries most complete lineup of data capture devices that re purpose-built for healthcare applications. From fixed and handheld scanners to mobile computers and rugged tablets that offer advance scanning capabilities, Zebra has a scanning solution that’s a perfect fit at the admissions desk, in operating rooms, at the patient’s bedside, in the lab, or in the pharmacy.

Flawless Specimen Collection:
Mislabeled specimens risk patient safety and can result in misdiagnosis or incorrect treatment. With Zebra’s solutions, healthcare workers can print labels right at the point of care and perform a three-point check that confirms the links between specimen collection order, the patient wristband, and the labeled container. The key is the seamless operation that results when you combine Zebra’s mobile or desktop printers with mobile computers that share a common ecosystem—it’s just easier to use tools that are designed to work together.

Accurate Medication Administration:
Zebra devices give you the ability to scan a patient’s wristband and medication for instant verification the patient is receiving the right medication and the right time, every time. The scanners are fast, easy to use, and ultra-reliable even when scanning barcodes that are damaged or obscured, making it possible to spot errors before medication is administered.

Increase Pharmacy Efficiency:
Zebra printers, scanners and mobile devices help streamline paperwork and eliminate manual processes to save time and money in the pharmacy. There are compact printer models that are designed to fit into even the most crowded pharmacy workstations and at the point of sale, making it fast and convenient to print labels and receipts. And hands-free barcode scanners can quickly verify accuracy to reduce the possibility of human error.

To learn more about Zebra’s printers, barcode scanners, and mobile computers for small healthcare facilities, contact the experts at SK&T. Download this white paper to learn more about ASC and Zebra products.

SK&T is a family-owned business. When you work with us, you become part of the family. Our top priority will be to create an innovative solution that that will help you save money while also improving the efficiency of your day-to-day operations.