an extra layer of protection against retained items. Here are some
examples:
• The matrix label (barcoding). Electronic adjunct technology isn't
used to replace the count, it used in addition to the count. One technol-
ogy we're using now is called barcoding, but it doesn't actually look
like a barcode. A barcode is made up of black and white lines. This
technology uses a dot matrix label that looks like little boxes on each
sponge.
For each case, we scan every labeled sponge in, and at the end of
the operation, we scan each sponge out using a tablet that can read
the labels. The program uses each sponge's unique identifying number
to track sponges counted in and out.
When you open a new pack of sponges, you do so on the back table,
so the first pack is scanned in and then the surgical tech manually
counts with the nurse, like you usually do. The scanning becomes like
a second counter for you, one that keeps track of the sponges digital-
ly. The technology keeps a digital record of the final sponge count.
• Radio frequency. With this option, all the sponges for the case
have a small tag inside that is able to align with a radio frequency
device. The detection device is usually a wand that can detect the
tagged sponges if they are left in a patient or end up in the trash. The
tag, a little bit smaller than a Tic Tac, is sewn into a little pocket on
the sponge.
If we get to the end of the case and we're missing something, the
radio frequency system can tell us if the sponge is somewhere in the
patient. We then sterilely cover the "wand" and carefully scan over the
wound, and if a tagged sponge has been left behind, the radio frequen-
cy device will detect it. A beep will go off on the machine, and you'll
know there is still something left in the patient.
The wand doesn't tell you how many sponges there are — it can't
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