對主動式無線射頻辨識裝置的滅菌效果與成本效益比較

Feasibility and Cost-Effectiveness Evaluation for the Sterilization of Active-RFID Devices

背景：無線射頻辨識裝置(Radio frequency identification, RFID)在醫療服務的應用越來越廣泛，RFID裝置的滅菌成為實際應用面應考慮的議題，本研究探討不同滅菌方式對主動式RFID手環的影響，並進行其成本效益比較。方法：主動式RFID手環分別經過環氧乙烷(Ethylene Oxide, EO)及過氧化氫(Hydroxy-peroxide, H202)滅菌後，檢測滅菌是否成功，測試軟硬體功能是否正常，最後進行成本效益的評估。結果：主動式RFID手環滅菌後，生物檢測結果皆呈現陰性反應，表面無產生變形及變色，訊號定位測試顯示RFID能正常的讀取到訊號，在不同區域也都能正確的定位。EO及H202滅菌成本效益比較上，以每日80個RFID手環使用量估算進行滅菌，考慮滅菌作業流程時間、滅菌鍋使用量，EO單次滅菌成本為75元／天（鍋），H202單次滅菌成本為62.5元／天（鍋）。結論：主動式RFID手環經過EO或H202滅菌後皆能正常使用，惟H202滅菌實務操作較方便有效率且初期整體購置成本較低。透過感染管控機制將使病人安全更獲得保障。

Background: The sterilization method is a concern as the application of RFID (radio frequency identification) technology is getting its popularity in healthcare industry. In this study we investigate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness in using different sterilization methods for active RFID wrist band. Methods: We compare the completeness of biological sterilization, functionality of device and software between ethylene oxide (EO) and hydroxy-peroxide (H202)-stenlized devices. Cost-effectiveness was analyzed. Results: Biological testing reveals completion of sterilization in both groups. The devices' outlook, signaling, and localization functions remain intact after sterilization. The costs for sterilizations are $75 NTD/day-clave for EO and $62.5 NTD/day-clave for H202 based on the required volume of 80 devices/day use, considering the sterilization process turn-around time, materials consumption, and autoclave capacity. Conclusion: Both EO and H202 are feasible to sterilize active RFID device. H202 has the advantages of operation convenience and lower initial purchase investment over EO sterilization. This study shows RFID device sterilization can be adopted into routine hospital sanitization process to ensure patient safety.