USA – Fresenius Kabi, a global healthcare company, has rolled out its smart labels with embedded fully interoperable +RFID technology for Diprivan (Propofol) Injectable Emulsion, USP, 200 mg per 20 mL in single-dose vials, in the US.
These smart labels are compatible with all ‘major’ radio-frequency identification (RFID) kits and tray systems in the country.
The launch expands Fresenius Kabi’s industry-leading +RFID portfolio of fully interoperable labeled medications.
The use of radio-frequency identification (RFID) label technology eliminates the need to manually tag medicines, saving time and supporting a safe and efficient medication inventory process.
Fresenius Kabi is the first pharmaceutical manufacturer to adopt GS1’s EPC Tag Data Standard (TDS) in order to improve interoperability.
GS1 Standards for identifying, capturing and sharing supply chain data help ensure product and inventory information is accessible, accurate and easy to understand.
Diprivan, the most prescribed propofol anesthetic in the USA, was the first Fresenius Kabi product introduced with RFID labels in 2020 for use with some RFID kit and tray systems.
The drug is now certified for use with all RFID systems and is available for immediate ordering through wholesalers and directly from Fresenius Kabi.
To meet the highest standards of performance and quality, in addition to the company’s own testing, Diprivan +RFID has been tested by the Axia Institute of Michigan State University and certified by the ARC RFID lab of Auburn University.
Fresenius Kabi is expanding its portfolio of fully compatible +RFID products based on demand from hospitals.
In a recent study conducted by the ASHP Foundation, nearly nine out of ten hospitals that participated reported that they are either already utilizing RFID technology or are currently evaluating its potential use.
“We are dedicated to supporting our customers in the adoption of RFID technology that enhances patient care, improves efficiency, and streamlines workflows for pharmacists,” said John Ducker, President and CEO of Fresenius Kabi USA.
The company has also released a newly labeled Vasopressin Injection, USP, with a concentration of 20 units per 1 mL. This product is available in single-dose vials with +RFID smart labels. This addition expands the company’s portfolio of products that are compatible with all major RFID kit and tray systems.
Fresenius Kabi is not the only healthcare company utilizing RFID technology in the USA. Schreiner MediPharm has also adopted the technology to create smart packaging for medical devices, such as combination products that include syringes, autoinjectors, and pens.
According to Arne Rehm, Senior Product Manager RFID/NFC Solutions, Schreiner MediPharm, today’s RFID pharmaceutical packaging allows hospitals to integrate RFID in an automated inventory management system so that hospitals have 100% transparency on medication stock and expiration dates.
