Midmark RTLS Hardware: Real-Time Locating System
Midmark RTLS provides accurate data and real-time intelligence designed to improve healthcare operations and patient care.
How Does RTLS Work?
The Midmark Real-Time Locating System (RTLS) offers a comprehensive view of patients, colleagues, and equipment within a health system. It utilizes badges (worn by people), tags (affixed to equipment), and sensors strategically placed throughout a facility, all connected to easy-to-use software. This system gathers location data and transforms it into actionable insights for better workflow management.
Sensory Network
Sensors are plugged into wall outlets or placed in the ceiling to receive badge and tag signals, communicating location data to the software.
Asset Tags
Midmark RTLS Asset Tags are attached to equipment such as IV pumps, ECGs, and wheelchairs. These tags emit IR, Wi-Fi, and/or Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) locating signals. Users can select the technology that best suits their precision needs: IR for room-level accuracy, BLE for near-room precision, or Cisco® Wi-Fi for zone-level tracking.
Patient + Staff Badges
Patients and staff wear badges that emit infrared (IR) and radio frequency (RF) signals. These signals are communicated to ceiling-mounted IR and RF sensors, providing real-time location information.
Software Solutions
Location data and workflow prompts are visually displayed on workstation computers or large screen displays in common areas, ensuring care teams stay synchronized.
BLE Sensory Network
The BLE Plug-In Sensors, measuring 1.50" H x 2.72" W x 1.65" D, receive signals from BLE Asset Tags to provide near-room precision location data. Each sensor communicates wirelessly and securely to the Midmark RTLS Cloud software with minimal impact on the facility's Wi-Fi network (1-2 Kbps) using the 2.4 GHz frequency band. These sensors are available with or without a pass-through outlet. Deployment is rapid, with each sensor taking approximately six minutes to install, minimizing disruption to patient care.
Sensor Retainer: Included with each BLE Plug-In Sensor, this retainer protects against impacts, shocks, and accidental removal.
BLE Asset Tags
- Micro BLE Asset Tag: The smallest asset tag from Midmark RTLS, designed for tracking easily lost, small equipment. It offers a battery life of up to one year. Dimensions: 1.45" H x 0.95" W x 0.21" D.
- BLE Asset Tag: Features the longest battery life (up to three years) and a compact size, suitable for tracking most assets. Dimensions: 1.40" H x 1.65" W x 0.68" D.
- BLE/IR Asset Tag: Combines BLE with IR for precision in areas with a Wired Sensory Network. Offers up to one year of battery life. Dimensions: 1.40" H x 1.65" W x 0.68" D.
Wired Sensory Network
The 12th generation Wired Sensory Network provides high precision using small, discreet IR and RF ceiling-mounted sensors that require minimal maintenance after installation. It is ideal for new constructions, offering a low total cost of ownership and the precision needed for workflow automation.
WIRED IR SENSORS
Discreet IR Sensors (2.75"W x 1"D) receive badge and tag signals to establish room-, bed-, or chair-level locations within a 2-foot radius. Sensor Plus includes a USB port to power BLE beacons for wayfinding applications.
WIRED RF SENSORS
In addition to IR Sensors, RF Sensors (2.75"W x 1"D) are deployed to receive button push and battery status data from IR/RF badges, Remote Stations, and other components.
COLLECTOR + CONCENTRATOR
The Concentrator and Collector (both 5.25"W x 1.625"D x 5.5"H) form the backbone of the Wired Sensory Network. Concentrators receive data from up to four Collectors, each capable of receiving data from up to 24 sensors.
Wireless Sensors
Battery-operated Wireless Sensors receive IR signals from IR/RF badges and tags to create locations with precision down to chair level (3-foot radius). They are easy to install and are approximately the size of a smoke detector (6"W x 2.63"D x 5"H).
LINK MODULE
The Link Module (2.23"W x 1.52"D x 1.52"H) acts as the data conduit for the Wireless Sensory Network, receiving sensor data and transmitting it to the Gateway. It also functions as an RF sensor and plugs into AC wall outlets for easy installation.
GATEWAY
The Gateway receives all IR and RF data from the Link Modules, aggregates location data, and transmits it via Ethernet to an on-premises server for distribution to workstations. Dimensions: 6.25"W x 2.25"D x 4.95"H.
Clearview Badges
Clearview
Clearview badges are durable, compact (1.65"W x 0.55"D x 2.44"H), and lightweight (1.06 oz, battery included). The badge button is programmable, typically used for assistance calls. Multiple color choices are available (White, Red, Blue, Yellow, Green), with custom options also offered, allowing for color-coding based on staff roles.
Clearview® Mini
The Clearview Mini offers four wearable options: wrist strap (silicone accessory sold separately), hospital wristband, or lapel clip (included clothing clip or silicone accessory sold separately). It provides superior battery life compared to disposable badges, lasting up to 90 days, at a fraction of the cost.
IR/RF Asset Tags
- ASSET TAG: A reliable IR RTLS tag offering room-level (or better) accuracy. It operates with an IR wavelength of 875 nm / 455 kHz and an RF frequency of 433 MHz, providing exceptional battery life of up to two years. Dimensions: 1.38"W x 0.56"D x 2.41"H.
- MINI ASSET TAG: Offers the same locating technology and precision in a smaller form factor, with exceptional battery life of up to two years, depending on motion. Dimensions: 1.25"W x 0.73"D x 1.75"H.
EQUIPMENT TO TAG: Asset tags can be applied to mobile assets such as IV Pumps, ECGs, Case Carts, Wound Carts, Stocking Carts, Rapid Response Carts, Wheelchairs, Vein Finders, Mobile Radiology Equipment, Ultrasound Machines, Wound Vacs, and Sequential Compression Devices.
Wi-Fi Asset Tags
Leverage your Cisco® Wi-Fi network for zone-level locating with Wi-Fi Asset Tags. These tags combine IR and Wi-Fi RTLS for hospital-wide visibility and precision where needed. They are compatible with both Cloud and On-Premises Asset Tracking software.
BENEFITS OF WI-FI LOCATING: Utilizing existing Wi-Fi infrastructure allows for quick RTLS deployment. Zone-level location information from Wi-Fi provides a strong foundation for campus-wide equipment visibility.
A POWERFUL COMBINATION OF TECHNOLOGIES: The Wi-Fi Asset Tag emits an IR Wavelength of 875 nm / 455 kHz and CCX signals at 802.11 (2.4 GHz), enabling general equipment location via your facility's Cisco® Wi-Fi network. Refer to the Midmark RTLS Cisco Requirements document for detailed information.
Additional Accessories
Enhance your RTLS investment with these accessories for the Wired and Wireless Sensory Networks:
- ADA BADGE STORAGE CABINET: Designed to place IR/RF badges in a "non-active" zone to preserve battery life, meeting ADA standards. Available in wired and wireless configurations.
- FOCUS KIT: Inexpensive kits to configure Wired and Wireless Sensors for increased precision, achieving bed- and chair-level granularity.
- ADA BADGE DROP BOX: An ADA-compliant box for returning IR/RF badges, which updates Midmark RTLS software and automates aspects of the patient discharge process. Available in wired and wireless configurations.
- RACK MOUNT SYSTEM: Enables integration of the Midmark RTLS Wired Sensory Network with existing rack mount architecture for Collectors and Concentrators.
- REMOTE STATION: A small, wireless RF device mountable on walls or surfaces to send preprogrammed responses, such as room status (clean/dirty) or staff assistance requests.
- BADGE TESTER: A handheld device to check the status of IR badges or tags. Its LCD screen displays badge/tag ID, battery status, IR signal type, motion state, and alarm state.
Interfaces
Midmark RTLS facilitates a seamless healthcare ecosystem by interfacing with EMR, CMMS, and other systems, offering an open architecture for integration.
- ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS (EMR): Integrates with virtually any EMR, including Epic® and Cerner®, enabling bi-directional data flow to reduce manual data entry.
- PATIENT ENGAGEMENT: Provides location data to patient engagement systems, enhancing the care experience by displaying provider credentials on TVs.
- CMMS: Adds location data to Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) through interfacing with Midmark RTLS.
- TEMPERATURE MONITORING: Partners with Primex® for environmental condition monitoring through Primex OneVue Sense™, viewable via Midmark RTLS Enterprise View®.
- NURSE CALL: Automates nurse call systems using location data, interfacing with virtually all nurse call systems to save nurses time and reduce workload.
- ALARM MANAGEMENT + MESSAGING: Enables sending notifications from Midmark RTLS directly to mobile devices and allows for suppression of notifications based on location to reduce alarm fatigue.