April 6, 2007 - Hospira Inc. introduced a new wireless platform for its medication infusion devices that incorporates leading-edge authentication standards and encryption protocols to assist hospitals in securely transferring data and complying with patient confidentiality regulations. The new technology also provides the first three- in-one wireless multi-band module for an infusion system, enabling hospitals to select any of three frequency modes for communication.
The platform's expanded security options help ensure only designated, approved hospital staff access clinical data transmitted between the devices and hospital information technology systems as part of the intravenous (I.V.) medication administration process. This can help healthcare providers more readily comply with patient confidentiality regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, in securing patient data against inadvertent release.
Most wireless products, such as mobile phones, pagers and other medical devices, communicate via the 802.11 "b" or "g" modes on the 2.4 GHz band. With Hospira's new platform, hospitals can choose to operate the company's infusion devices in the "b" or "g" modes, as well as the less frequently used "a" (5 GHz band) wireless mode, to help ensure clear, consistent data transmission.
Hospira is currently offering this new capability with the Plum A (R) single-channel infusion device and will be adding it to its Plum A (R)3 triple-channel device, LifeCare PCA(R) patient-controlled analgesia system and Symbiq(TM) infusion system later this year. The devices work in conjunction with the Hospira MedNet(R) system, a scaleable and upgradeable patient safety platform.
May 02, 2024 
