Germ Resistance, Performance and Reliability: Scanner Features that Measure Up in a Post-Covid World
Most healthcare professionals will agree that scanners are a finicky breed of tech. Add stricter Covid cleaning protocols and things become even more complicated. For scanners, the reward for frequent cleaning can include decreased overall performance, and eventually, a shortened product life span.
On the bright side, there are some exciting options available with new features that increase reliability, improve workflow efficiency and even give nurses much-needed time back towards patient care. So, when it’s time to replace a failing model, here are some tips on what to look for:
Scanners molded out of smooth, anti-microbial plastic, are crafted to withstand being sprayed and wiped down multiple times throughout the day with chemical disinfectants. The fewer cracks, crevices and screw holes a scanner has, the fewer places moisture can penetrate the scanner’s shell and damage its internal workings. A seamless, totally sealed, solid outer structure also provides fewer spots where microbes and pathogens can hide—a major advantage in any healthcare setting.
The best medical-grade scanners are light and ergonomically designed to be comfortably used throughout the day. Look for models with pressure-sensitive haptic, piezoelectric trigger functions that accurately capture data on all 1D and 2D codes. Durability is also extremely important, especially in high-stress environments where hand scanners might be dropped or knocked from moving carts.
A nurse’s heroism extends to working within a very limited space. A scanner worthy of today’s demands must easily integrate with the nurse’s workstation—whether it be wall-mounted, installed on a desktop or paired with TouchPoint Medical Workstations on Wheels. Wireless capability is a must.
Unlike fussy scanners that must be placed into their chargers “just so,” new models use magnets to ensure correct positioning and effective charging. Remember to compare total charging times before you buy, as well as the minimal charging time needed to immediately complete mission-critical tasks.
While an important function of patient care, scanning is not something most healthcare professionals want to spend extra time troubleshooting. It’s worth taking the time to investigate options that will meet frequent scanning demands and withstand rigorous cleaning. TouchPoint Medical has partnered with DENSO to incorporate their newest SC1-QB scanner into our carts and workstations as an optional add-on. This new scanner meets the aforementioned requirements and then some. The scanner is molded of antimicrobial materials, providing additional peace of mind when it comes to infection control. Paired with our antimicrobial workstations, acute care facilities can now offer a safer environment that retards growth of bacteria on surfaces and decreases chances of patient contracted hospital-acquired infections—giving peace of mind to all caregivers and better patient outcomes.
