Mousing Around
Irvine, Calif.-based IOGEAR has rolled out its self-cleaning Germ Free Wireless Laser Mouse in an effort to prevent the spread of workplace infectious agents.
The new peripheral comes covered in a silver and titanium-oxide nanocoating outer shell that IOGEAR says can prevent or deactivate bacteria with 99 percent efficiency. The titanium oxide attracts water and oxygen molecules. According to the company, these molecules are combined with the electrons of the titanium oxide and light, free oxygen ion bases are given off. The ions restrain, clean and eliminate microbes while creating water, carbon and oxygen molecules, IOGEAR says, which starts the cleansing process over again.
Communication is Key
Martti (My Accessible Real-Time Trusted Interpreter) is a portable flat-screen system designed to bridge the language gap. The TLAN interpreting system uses video hardware solutions and interpreters trained in medical/healthcare in more than 150 languages, including American Sign Language. Martti works by connecting the patient via a two-way video to a TLAN interpreter who determines the language and transfers the session to the proper interpreter to assist in the doctor-patient communication.
Intel Targets Healthcare with Mobile Platform
Santa Clara, Calif.-based Intel recently introduced the company's new mobile point-of-care platform designed to address the needs of nurses and physicians.
According to the company, products based on the mobile clinical assistant platform could offer a variety of features and technologies including an exterior casing that can be wiped clean with disinfectant; radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for rapid user and patient identification; and bar code scanning to help reduce medication-dispensing errors.
The platform could also include a digital camera to enhance patient charting and progress notes; Bluetooth technology to record patient vital signs; and wireless connectivity to access electronic medical records systems.
The Pulse Quickens
Wakefield, Mass.-based Picis Inc. has rolled out version 3.6 of ED PulseCheck. The new model gives hospital emergency departments (ED) an aerial view of patients, bar code medication administration capabilities and department rules. Designed by ED clinicians, the Web-based Picis software product combines myriad functions such as triage, patient tracking and integrated voice recognition.
On a Quest
In an effort to provide physicians with mobile X-ray access, Aliso Viejo, Calif.-based Global Care Quest Inc., has rolled out ICIS PocketPACS. The miniature PACS system provides access to medical imaging systems from smartphones or PDAs instead of a standard radiography display and is part of the software developer's Integrated Clinical Information System (ICIS) line up. The system displays and manipulates chest X-rays, bone X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and most other medical imaging modalities, according to the company.
