RFID Solution Protects Newborns During Hospital Stay

It’s some of the worst nightmares for the parents of a newborn -- their child being abducted or switched during the hospital stay. But thanks to a RFID solution from Xmark, parents are resting just a little easier.

The Hugs system, which protected more than 1 million infants born in hospitals in 2007, uses active RFID technology and begins to protect as early as in the delivery room. Once the tamper-proof tag is attached to the newborn’s ankle, the tag reports every 10 seconds to show that it is functioning and present.

The system works by assigning a unique ID number with each individual tag. Every exit point in the hospital -- including doors and elevators -- is electronically monitored to detect the tags. If a newborn were ever taken beyond an exit point, if the tag were lifted from the child’s skin or if the ankle strap is compromised, the system automatically triggers an alert to hospital security.

In the event of an alarm, the system can automatically activate magnetic door locks or stop functioning of an elevator. It also can be integrated into other security and access control systems, including cameras.

A separate, optional function of the system, called Kisses, is designed to prevent the wrong child being given to a mother. Every mother wears a tag bonded with the Hugs tag at the child’s birth. If there is ever a mismatch when the two tags are brought together, an audible alarm sounds

And in hospitals where the systems are deployed, parents can spend more time enjoying the new addition instead of worrying about security.

About the Author

Brent Dirks is senior editor for Security Today and Campus Security Today magazines.

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