User's Manual

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• When using the wand, the system may experience a slight degradation of read range of
RFID tagged items when metal objects are within the scanning field. Small metal objects
like implants and pacemakers will have no impact in most cases. To the extent possible,
remove metal from the scanning site or keep the RFID tags at least ½ an inch from direct
contact with metal objects.
• Individual sponges or packs of sponges may not correctly count when placed directly on
metal surfaces including back tables, mayo stands, large reusable capacitively-coupled
return electrode pads and metal kick buckets. When using the wand, remove the sponges
from those areas, or provide a separation distance between the metal and the RFID tags so
that the tags can be read.
• When using a SmartTag in conjunction with a large reusable capactively-coupled return
electrode pad, it is necessary to place the tag lateral to the pad in order for the wand to detect
it. The SmartTag will not be detected if applied directly to the pad because of its metal
interior.
• While using the wand, interference may appear momentarily on ECG graphs. Users should
be aware that this interference is temporary and will discontinue when the wand is moved
away from ECG equipment or when wand use is discontinued.
• While using the wand interference may appear on Ultrasound images. Place the device in
Standby while ultrasound imaging is in progress. The device will not lose count when in
Standby.
• The wand is a tool to assist in the location of tagged items within the body. Use of the wand,
does not guarantee that a tagged item will be detected. Detection depends on proper
technique and a variety of environmental conditions.
• The orientation of the RFID tags within a body has an effect on the ability to read those tags.
For this reason, proper wand technique should be exercised when searching for tagged
items. Proper technique requires deliberate and thorough scanning through various
orientations. See Chapter 4 of this operators manuals for complete details.
• Packs of sponges, either partial or complete, may not count when discarded into the Count
Out Basin. If a pack is discarded and fails to read, separate the sponges from each other to
ensure a correct count.
• Tags may become damaged by surgical lasers. Do not apply a surgical laser directly to a tag.
The loss of tag function may result.
• Due to possible interference, the system should be separated by at least 1 meter from an
active Electrosurgical Unit (ESU). The system should be checked for normal operation to
ensure there is no interference present.
• No part of the ClearCount SmartSponge Flex is user serviceable. The system contains no
user replaceable fuses. All Service is to be performed by trained personnel.
• Cardiac pacers should be set to asynchronous pacing (VOO/DOO) mode prior to patient
scanning with the wand to avoid potential short-term interference.