Clinical Studies

Sensitivity of detection of radiofrequency surgical sponges: a prospective, cross-over study

This study is the first published report powered to determine the sensitivity and specificity of RF technology for identification of retained surgical sponges in a broad range of subjects. The sensitivity and specificity of the RF sponge detection technology were found to be 100%. This level of accuracy far surpasses that of a surgical count and is greater than intraoperative radiography. Therefore, it is an appropriate option to consider when redesigning health care systems to prevent “never events” and enhance patient safety.
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Victoria M. Steelman, Ph.D., R.N., C.N.O.R., F.A.A.N.a,b,*

a Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Office of Research and Development, VA Quality Scholar Fellowship; b Center for Research in the Implementation of Innovative Strategies in Practice, VA Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, US

Effectiveness of Radio-Frequency Surgical Detection as an Adjunct to Manual Tracking of Operative Sponges

Oct 5, 2010 -Researchers from UNC Health Care today reported positive results from the largest ever prospective multi-institution study of any medical device aimed at helping surgical teams prevent and detect retained surgical items. Results were announced at the 96thAmerican College of Surgeons Clinical Congress in Washington DC. The ongoing study examined the use of radio-frequency detection technology (RF Surgical Detection System, RF Surgical) as an adjunct to the standard practice of manual counting.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine: Christopher C. Rupp, MD; Mary J. Kagarise, RN, MSPH; Anthony A. Meyer, MD, PhD; Hong Jin Kim, MD.

University of North Carolina Hospitals; Stella M. Nelson, RN, MA; Susan Phillips, RN, MBA, CNOR; Janet Chadwick, RN, MBA; Tamara Petty, RN

Retained Surgical Sponges Process Improvement for Patient Safety

Using RF Surgical Detection System, Josephs found there were no retained sponges, RF decreases anesthesia time by approximately thirty minutes and there was high satisfaction with surgeons and nurses.

Leon G. Josephs, MD,FACS

Chief of Surgery St. Vincent Hospital Worcester, MA