PubMed Health⌕ Search
Home/Archive/PubMed

PubMed · 10292314

Bar codes in the U.K.

D Carter
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

In summary, by the simple addition of a bar code label to individual items of bed linen or garments the following information becomes available: a total number of items in circulation; a breakdown of individual items and quantity; an average length of stay within locations, i.e., turnaround period; a complete record of all condemned items and costs; a record of overdue items by location; an immediate identification of users with above-average retention periods; quality control of purchases; total cash value of stock. Bar codes are a tremendous security device that has already saved the National Health Service in the U.K. an enormous sum. Perhaps they can help your operation, too.

Explore related subjects

Bedding and LinensElectronic Data ProcessingLaundry Service, HospitalManagement Information SystemsMaterials Management, HospitalUnited KingdomJournal Article

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

D Carter. 1989. Bar codes in the U.K.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10292314/

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

PubMed2007

Natural cellulose fibers from switchgrass with tensile properties similar to cotton and linen.

We report the production and characteristics of natural cellulose fibers obtained from the leaves and stems of switchgrass. In this paper, the composition, structure and properties of fibers obtained from the leaves and stem of switchgrass have been studied in comparison to the common natural cellulose fibers, such as cotton, linen and kenaf. The leaves and stems of switchgrass have tensile properties intriguingly similar to that of linen and cotton, respectively. Fibers were obtained from the leaves and stems of switchgrass using a simple alkaline extraction and the structure and properties of the fibers were studied. Fibers obtained from switchgrass leaves have crystallinity of 51%, breaking tenacity of 5.5 g per denier (715 MPa) and breaking elongation of 2.2% whereas the corresponding values for fibers obtained from switchgrass stems are 46%, 2.7 g per denier and 6.8%, respectively. Switchgrass is a relatively easy to grow and high yield biomass crop that can be source to partially substitute the natural and synthetic fibers currently in use. We hope that this research will stimulate interests in using switchgrass as a novel fiber crop in addition to being promoted as a potential source for biofuels.

Bedding and Linens↗
PubMed2007

Efficacy of forced-air warming systems with full body blankets.

PURPOSE: Postoperative hypothermia after cardiac surgery is still a common problem often treated with forced-air warming. This study was conducted to determine the heat transfer efficacy of 11 forced-air warming systems with full body blankets on a validated copper manikin. METHODS: The following systems were tested: 1) Bair Hugger 505; 2) Bair Hugger 750; 3) Life-Air 1000 S; 4) Snuggle Warm; 5) Thermacare; 6) Thermacare with reusable Optisan blanket; 7) WarmAir; 8) Warm-Gard; 9) Warm-Gard and reusable blanket; 10) WarmTouch; and 11) WarmTouch and reusable blanket. Heat transfer of forced-air warmers can be described as follows: Q = h x DeltaT x A. Where Q = heat flux (W), h = heat exchange coefficient (W x m-2 x degrees C-1), DeltaT = temperature gradient between blanket and manikin surface (degrees C), A = covered area (m2). Heat flux per unit area and surface temperature were measured with 16 heat flux transducers. Blanket temperature was measured using 16 thermocouples. The temperature gradient between blanket and surface (DeltaT) was varied and h was determined by linear regression analysis. Mean DeltaT was determined for surface temperatures between 32 degrees C and 38 degrees C. The covered area was estimated to be 1.21 m2. RESULTS: For the 11 devices, heat transfers of 30.7 W to 77.3 W were observed for surface temperatures of 32 degrees C, and between -8.8 W to 29.6 W for surface temperatures of 38 degrees C. CONCLUSION: There are clinically relevant differences between the tested forced-air warming systems with full body blankets. Several systems were unable to transfer heat to the manikin at a surface temperature of 38 degrees C.

Bedding and Linens↗