Method and apparatus to account for transponder tagged objects used during clinical procedures employing a shielded receptacle with antenna

Abstract

Medical procedure related objects (e.g., instruments, supplies) tagged with transponders (e.g., RFID transponders, dumb transponders) are accounted for in a medical or clinical environment via an accounting system using a number of antennas and interrogators/readers. A first set of antennas and RFID interrogator(s) interrogate portions of the environment for RFID tagged objects, for example proximate a start and an end of a procedure. Shielded packaging and/or shielded receptacles shield tagged objects, preventing interrogation except for those objects in unshielded portions of the environment. A shielded receptacle may include an antenna to interrogate the contents thereof in a relatively noise-free environment. A data store may maintain information including a current status or count of each instrument or supply, for instance as checked in or checked out. A handheld antenna and/or second set of antennas interrogates a body of a patient for retained instruments or supplies tagged with dumb transponders.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . An apparatus for use in clinical environments, the apparatus comprising:
 a stand including a supporting surface defining a receptacle for supporting medical implements, the receptacle of the supporting surface having an interior, at least the supporting surface being formed of an RF shield, wherein the stand is relocatable within the clinical environment; and   a mat supported on the supporting surface of the stand and within the receptacle thereof, the mat including at least one antenna supported thereon or therein, the at least one antenna positioned and oriented to provide coverage of at least a portion of the interior of the receptacle of the supporting surface of the stand and any wireless communications transponders in the interior of the receptacle of the supporting surface of the stand.   
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the at least one antenna includes a plurality of antennas, and wherein the plurality of antennas are encased within the mat. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the mat is constructed of an electrically insulative material. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the electrically insulative material of the mat is radiolucent. 
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the electrically insulative material of the mat is formed of cotton, open cell foam rubber, closed cell foam rubber, rubber or silicone. 
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the mat is configured for detachable securement to the supporting surface of the stand. 
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the mat includes a plurality of mats. 
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the at least one antenna includes a loop antenna. 
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the at least one antenna includes a dipole antenna. 
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the at least one antenna includes a slot antenna. 
     
     
         30 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the at least one antenna is constructed from a substantially radiolucent material. 
     
     
         31 . The apparatus of  claim 30 , wherein the at least one antenna is constructed from an electrically conductive trace of aluminum having a thickness of 200 microns or less. 
     
     
         32 . The apparatus of  claim 30 , wherein the at least one antenna is constructed from an electrically conductive trace of aluminum having a thickness of 30 microns. 
     
     
         33 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the mat includes an RF shield extending beneath the at least one antenna. 
     
     
         34 . The apparatus of  claim 33 , wherein the RF shield forms at least a partial Faraday cage. 
     
     
         35 . The apparatus of  claim 33 , wherein the RF shield is an electrically conductive plate or an electrically conductive wire mesh. 
     
     
         36 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the supporting surface of the stand is constructed of a material wherein the supporting surface forms at least a partial Faraday cage. 
     
     
         37 . The apparatus of  claim 36 , wherein the supporting surface of the stand is constructed of a sheet of metal or a mesh of metal wires. 
     
     
         38 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the supporting surface of the stand includes a material therein or thereon which forms at least a partial Faraday cage. 
     
     
         39 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , further comprising an integral RFID interrogator configured to transmit and receive signals.