Research finds RFID safe for use around biologics
30 July, 2012
category: RFID
A recent research report published in the Parental Drug Association Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology revealed findings that prove RFID technology to be both safe and suitable for use in the presence of biologics.
Temperature-monitoring RFID technology is critical to an accurate assessment of the condition of biologics, such as vaccines, medications and therapeutics, which are typically highly temperature sensitive and require constant monitoring to verify adherence to distribution protocols that ensure safety, quality and efficacy.
The study, “Effects of Radio Frequency Identification-related Radiation on In Vitro Biologics,” was conducted by researchers at The University of South Florida, Blood Center of Wisconsin, Abbott, Georgia Institute of Technology and the Madison RFID Lab at the University of Wisconsin.
The report noted that RFID-based equipment could be used safely in close proximity to biologics, making the technology suitable for pharma track and trace operations. The research also showed that in vitro test results for more than 100 biopharmaceutical products from eight major drug companies demonstrated no non-thermal effect by radio frequency radiation.
The findings come in advance of forthcoming requirements mandated by ePedigree laws in California and Florida, which are expected to go into effect in 2015 and ultimately impact the entire pharmaceutical industry.
Compliance with such laws will require a combination of RFID and 2D barcode technologies for monitoring the condition, authenticity and traceability of pharmaceuticals, including biologics.
To obtain a copy of the PDA article, click here. The report is available free to PDA members and available to non-members for a nominal fee.
