Germfree, a pioneer in modular and mobile cleanroom infrastructure, equipment, and services, has announced the launch of Smarthood (trademarked) for IV medication preparation.
Smarthood is a software-agnostic, fully integrated intravenous (IV) workflow hardware solution designed to solve persistent challenges in sterile compounding.
The platform integrates primary engineering controls and technology by connecting all necessary hardware components with the pharmacy's software of choice.
By doing so, Smarthood helps healthcare systems avoid the challenges of assembling and maintaining multiple disjointed components. This ensures consistent practices, reduces variability, and leverages resources efficiently across multiple sites.
From real-time video monitoring to gravimetric analysis, this comprehensive solution delivers everything the modern pharmacy needs to meet today’s challenges
For more than two decades, industry standards and regulations have evolved to prevent the compounding errors of the past. To achieve a truly effective IV workflow management system, hardware and software must be integrated. Merely adding hardware to an already flawed workflow will not unlock the system’s full potential. Instead, Germfree saw that hardware should elevate a good process into a great one.
“The concept behind Smarthood was born from the need to bridge critical gaps in compounding practices,” said Judd Baker, VP of Healthcare Innovation at Germfree. “By integrating technology directly into the hood itself, Smarthood provides a level of accuracy, efficiency, and patient safety that’s truly unprecedented."
"From real-time video monitoring to gravimetric analysis, this comprehensive solution delivers everything the modern pharmacy needs to meet today’s challenges,” Baker added.
“An ideal workflow management system should integrate seamlessly into the compounding environment, enable hands-free operation, utilise hardware components free of excess cabling, and work smoothly with the selected software or electronic health record— all without disrupting the aseptic processing environment or critical airflow,” said Kevin Hansen, Senior Director at Pharmacy Compounding Services at Premier and Smarthood advisor.
How does Smarthood solve problems?
Contamination Risks: Contamination risks in sterile compounding often arise from human error, improper handling, or external factors that compromise the sterile environment.
- Smarthood reduces contamination risks by incorporating advanced technology such as barcode scanning and built-in cameras, ensuring strict adherence to sterile procedures and minimising human error.
Workflow Errors: Workflow errors occur due to inconsistent processes, poorly integrated systems, or lack of standardisation, leading to confusion and inefficiency in compounding.
- Smarthood addresses workflow errors by standardising processes within a unified system, allowing for better organisation, real-time updates, and a smoother, error-free workflow for pharmacists and technicians.
Operational Efficiency: Inefficient operations in sterile compounding can result from outdated or fragmented equipment, leading to unnecessary delays and loss of productivity.
- Smarthood streamlines operations by integrating all necessary equipment, such as barcode scanners, cameras, and computers, into a single, user-friendly system that speeds up tasks and reduces time spent on each compounding procedure.