Reported October, 2007

BACKGROUND: A hospital system based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is installing scanners that identify healthcare consumers by the unique vein patterns in their hands, virtually eliminating the possibility that personal information could be misused during the patent registration process.

HOW IT WORKS: Carolina HealthCare System is the first known healthcare provider in the United States to use the technology, which pairs a palm scanning device made by Fujitsu with a durable cradle and software system that the hospital designed itself. Incoming patients are asked to place their middle finger between two prongs at the top of the cradle to make sure their palm is properly positioned. The scanner uses near-infrared light to map the vein patterns in a patient's palm. The digital image is converted into a number that correlates with the patient's medical records. Vein patterns in a palm are considered more unique than a fingerprint. Since a number, not an image, is stored with the palm scanner, there is no chance an identity could be stolen and illegally reproduced.

BENEFITS: Currently, it's possible for someone to overhear or see sensitive personal information or use someone else's Social Security number or health insurance card to receive services. It can also be time-consuming to check in at a hospital, fill out paperwork and wait for staff to enter the information into a computer before a patient receives care. With the new palm scanning system, once a patient's information is collected on the first visit, it is permanently in the system. On subsequent visits, the patient need only provide a birth date and have their palm rescanned to establish a positive identification. In an emergency, a positive identification can be made even if the patient is unconscious.

The Optical Society of America contributed to the information contained in the TV portion of this report.

If you would like more information, please contact:

Kevin M. McCarthy, Public Affairs Officer
Carolinas HealthCare System
Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 355-3141
kevin.mccarthy@carolinashealthcare.org

Optical Society of America
Washington, DC 20036-1023
(202) 223-8130
http://www.osa.org
info@osa.org

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