Clean/biohazard transportation identification tag

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001The present application is based on and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/025,217, filed Jul. 16, 2014, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

0002The present disclosure relates to a tag that is attached to transportation carts and/or to hand held or other containers to identify, notify, label or inform whether the transportation cart or the hand held container is transporting clean/sterile item(s) or item(s) contaminated with or considered bio-hazardous material. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a multi-layer tag that is utilized within a medical or health care providing facility to identify whether the transportation cart and/or the hand held container is transporting clean/sterile item(s) or item(s) contaminated with or considered bio-hazardous material.

0003As used herein, the term item(s) includes, but is not limited to, medical products, instruments and/or equipment.

0004Due to the configuration of many facilities, item(s) required for a procedure can be transferred within or out of the facility from a clean room or area to an area or room where a medical procedure is to be performed and back to a cleaning/sterile/general processing area. The item(s), whether clean or contaminated by a bio-hazardous material, are typically transported within a transportation cart or container through at least one area accessible to the public.

0005For purposes of this application, a bio-hazardous material is blood or other potentially infectious materials pursuant to CFR 1910.1030(a). If the bio-hazardous material comes into contact with health care personnel or the public, the potential exists for the transfer of a microorganism, such as bacteria or a virus, which can cause a short term or long term illness. The transfer of such a microorganism must be prevented to ensure the health of the health care personnel or the public.

0006Therefore it is imperative that the transportation cart or the container used to transport items through areas accessible to the public or other areas be identified as containing clean items or as containing items contaminated with a bio-hazardous material. When a transportation cart or container is identified as transporting an item contaminated by a bio-hazardous material, the public and/or staff are notified to avoid the transportation cart or hand held container. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard CFR 1910.10.1030(g)(9)(i)(B) requires such notification. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to compliance with OSHA regulations and may be utilized to comply with the regulations of other agencies or entities.

0007Typically, items transferred within a health care facility are contained within a transportation cart, commonly referred to as a case cart. The case cart has wheels or casters for moving the case cart from one location to another location, such as from a room that stores sterile equipment to an operating room or procedure room and back to a sterile processing area. A case cart is typically constructed of steel, such as stainless steel, and has drawers or bins to contain the medical equipment. While a case cart is exemplary, the present disclosure is not limited to a case cart.

0008For instance, sterilized item(s) can be transported from a room that stores sterile item(s) to an operating room through areas that are accessible to the public, typically in a case cart. While sterile, the item(s) within the case cart poses no health risk to the public, and can be safely transported through areas that are accessible to the public.

0009However, once the item(s) has been used in a medical procedure or exposed to bio-hazardous material, the case cart used to transport the item(s) must be identified as containing the item(s) contaminated with the bio-hazardous material to minimize the possibility of exposure to such bio-hazardous materials. Therefore, the transfer of the contaminated item(s) poses a health risk to the public and/or staff within publicly accessible areas or any other areas. It should be noted that while a case cart is being discussed, the same issues arise when item(s) are transported in a hand held container, such as a bin with a lid.

0010A typical scenario includes the transportation of item(s) to and from a surgical procedure. The item(s) are cleaned/sterilized and transported to the operating or procedure room with a case cart. Because the case cart is clean and the item(s) are clean or sterile, the risk of any contamination of persons that could contact the item(s) are minimal However, after the medical procedure, such as a surgical procedure, the item(s) are contaminated with the patient's tissue and/or fluids, which are considered to be a bio-hazardous material. Even when transported in a case cart, a risk exists of exposing the public to the patient's tissue and/or fluid which is a bio-hazardous material. Risks of contaminating other clean/sterile items also exist. Identifying the case cart as containing item(s) contaminated with a bio-hazardous material aids in eliminating the risk of exposure to bio-hazardous materials.

SUMMARY

0011The present disclosure relates to a tag that is configured to be removably attached to a transportation cart or a container for transporting item(s) where the tag provides information and provides/states notice regarding the cleanliness status of item(s) within the transportation cart or the hand held container. The tag has a multi-layer construction. The tag includes a base layer having a front surface and a back surface. The front surface of the base layer includes a second status identifier indicating that the transportation cart or the hand held container is transporting dirty item(s) that is contaminated with a bio-hazardous material. The second status identifier includes the OSHA approved symbol for a bio-hazardous material. A top layer is secured to the front surface and covers the second status identifier. The top layer includes a first status identifier on the front surface indicating that the item(s) within the transportation cart or the hand held container are clean. The first status identifier is located on a tab that is defined by upper and lower perforated lines. A width of the front layer is less than a width of the base layer such that a sequence identifier for removing the tab is visible. When the tab is removed, the first status identifier is removed and the second status identifier is visible. The back surface of the base layer optionally can be coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive to which a removable backing layer can be attached.

0012The tab of the top layer that includes the status identifier related to the cleanliness of the item(s), which is typically designated as “CLEAN”, also includes a color identifier, typically green, that assists in identifying the item(s) in the transportation cart or the hand held container as being clean. Once the item(s) are no longer used by the patient, on the patient, or for patient use, the tab is removed from the top layer which exposes the second status identifier related to the cleanliness of the item(s), which indicates that the item(s) is “DIRTY” meaning it cannot be reused without being cleaned. The second status identifier also includes the symbol for a bio-hazardous material that has been approved by OSHA pursuant to CFR 1910.10.1030(g)(9)(i)(B). The second status identifier has a second color that is different from the first and second colors where the second color is typically a fluorescent orange or orange/red color that has also been approved by OSHA pursuant to CFR 1910.10.1030(g)(9)(i)(C). People viewing the second status identifier will be notified that the transportation cart or the hand held container is transporting item(s) contaminated by a bio-hazardous material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a top view of a status identification tag related to the cleanliness of item(s) within a transportation container with the “CLEAN” status identifier.

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a top view of the status identification tag related to the cleanliness of item(s) within a transportation container with the “DIRTY” status identifier and having the bio-hazard symbol approved by OSHA.

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a top view of a status identification tag having a tab including the “CLEAN” status identifier and a pull-up flap.

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a top view of a status identification tag related to the cleanliness of item(s) in accordance with a general embodiment.

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a simplified flow diagram of a method embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0018A status identification tag configured for utilization on a transportation cart or a hand held container for transporting item(s) is generally illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> at <b>10</b>. It should be noted that the same reference numerals are used in different figures for same or similar elements. The tag <b>10</b> has a multi-layer construction that includes a base layer <b>12</b>, a front layer <b>14</b> and a backing layer <b>16</b>. The base layer <b>12</b> and the front layer <b>14</b> include different status identifiers that allow the personnel or public at a facility to easily determine the cleanliness status of the item(s) within the transportation cart or the hand held container.

0019The tag <b>10</b> includes a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) coated on a back surface of the base layer <b>12</b>. The backing layer <b>16</b> is removably secured to the PSA to prevent the tag <b>10</b> from adhering to other tags or other surfaces. The backing layer <b>16</b> can easily be peeled away from the base layer <b>12</b> with manual force such that the PSA is exposed and the tag <b>10</b> can be secured to the transportation cart or the hand held container for transporting the item(s). In the event that the tag <b>10</b> cannot be secured to the transportation cart or the hand held container with the PSA, an aperture can be formed through the layers <b>12</b>, <b>14</b> and <b>16</b> and can be utilized along with a string or tie to secure the tag <b>10</b> to the transportation cart or the hand held container as a hang tag.

0020The front layer <b>14</b> includes a top portion <b>13</b> and a bottom portion <b>15</b> that are separated by a removable tab <b>20</b>. The top portion <b>13</b> and the bottom portion <b>15</b> are secured to the base layer <b>12</b> with an adhesive. The removable tab <b>20</b> is defined by perforated lines <b>24</b> and <b>26</b> across a width of the front layer <b>14</b>. The removable tab <b>20</b> includes a first status identifier <b>22</b> regarding the cleanliness of the item(s) within the transportation cart or the hand held container. In this instance the first status identifier is the word “CLEAN”, which identifies the item(s) within the transportation cart or the hand held container as being clean and ready for use by a patient, on a patient or for a patient.

0021The first status identifier <b>22</b> regarding the cleanliness of the item(s) is also color coded to indicate that the item(s) is ready for use. In this instance the color is green is utilized, which is intended to provide a visual indication that the item(s) is fit for use, similar to that of a traffic light when green. Optionally, the top portion <b>13</b> and the bottom portion <b>15</b> may include no fields and may be blank.

0022The top portion <b>13</b> of the front layer <b>14</b> includes fields <b>17</b> to identify the date, case/procedures, the room and facility to which the item(s) within the transportation cart or the hand held container is to be delivered and the initials of the person transporting the item(s). The bottom portion <b>15</b> includes a checklist <b>19</b> to be optionally filled out prior to or after the transportation of the item(s). The bottom portion bottom portion also includes fields <b>21</b> to identify the room and/or facility and the initials of the person transporting the item(s) with the transportation cart or the hand held container.

0023While the fields <b>17</b>, <b>19</b> and <b>21</b> are useful, they are exemplary of the types of fields that may be included on the top portion <b>13</b> and the bottom portion <b>15</b>. Other fields are within the scope of the present disclosure.

0024Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, once the item(s) are contaminated and placed back into the transportation cart or the hand held container, the personnel removes the removable tab <b>20</b> utilizing manual force to tear the tab <b>20</b> away from the top layer <b>14</b> along the perforated lines <b>24</b> and <b>26</b>. With the top removable tab <b>20</b> removed, a second status identifier <b>28</b> on the base layer <b>12</b> regarding the cleanliness of the item(s) within the transportation cart or the hand held container is exposed. The second status identifier <b>28</b> regarding the cleanliness of the item(s), in this instance “DIRTY” and also includes the OSHA approved symbol for a bio-hazardous material <b>30</b> pursuant to CFR 1910.10.1030(g)(9)(i)(B). The second status identifier <b>28</b> and the OSHA approved bio-hazardous material symbol <b>30</b> inform the personnel and the public that the item(s) is being transported in the transportation cart or the hand held container is contaminated with a bio-hazardous material.

0025The second status identifier <b>28</b> also is color coded to indicate that the item(s) is in use. In this instance, the color fluorescent orange or orange/red is utilized, which is intended to provide an indication that dangerous material is being transported and that caution is required. The fluorescent orange or orange/red color is approved by OSHA pursuant to CFR 1910.10.1030(g)(9)(i)(C). However, the present disclosure is not limited to compliance with OSHA regulations and may be modified to comply with other regulatory agencies' rules and regulations.

0026In the identification tag <b>10</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, the front layer <b>14</b> has a width W<b>1</b> (first width) that is less than the width W<b>2</b> (second width) of a base layer <b>12</b>. As such, an instructive identifier <b>36</b> that instructs how to remove the tab <b>20</b> is visible. It should be noted that, in order for instructive identifier <b>36</b> to be visible, only the tab <b>20</b> of front layer <b>14</b> needs to have a width W<b>1</b> that is less that the width W<b>2</b> of the base layer <b>12</b>. Thus, in different embodiments, portions of the front layer <b>14</b> other than the tab <b>20</b> may have the same width (W<b>2</b>) as the base layer <b>12</b> or even have a width that is greater than W<b>2</b>. In this instance the instructive identifier <b>36</b> is the words “PULL HERE”. In general, any suitable instructive identifier <b>36</b> may be used. While the instructive identifier <b>36</b> is illustrated, the instructive identifier is provided for convenience and is not required to utilize the cleanliness identification tag <b>10</b>. Of course, in embodiments that do not include the instructive identifier <b>36</b>, different widths for the base layer <b>12</b> and the front layer <b>14</b> may not be employed.

0027In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the tab <b>20</b> is substantially rectangular in shape and has four substantially straight sides with adjacent sides being unequal in length. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, one of the longer sides of tab <b>20</b> is at a connection junction of the top portion <b>13</b> of the front layer <b>14</b> and the tab <b>20</b>, and the other one of the longer sides of tab <b>20</b> is at a connection junction of the bottom portion <b>15</b> of the front layer <b>12</b> and the tab <b>20</b>. In some embodiments, adjacent sides of tab <b>20</b> may be equal in length such that tab <b>20</b> is square shaped.

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows an embodiment of a tag <b>50</b>, which is similar to the tag <b>10</b> (of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>), but includes a tab <b>52</b> that is shaped to enable easy gripping and removal. In the interest of brevity, a description of elements of the tag <b>50</b> that are substantially similar to elements of the tag <b>10</b> is not repeated in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, a portion of the tab <b>52</b> is rectangular/square in shape. However, one side of the tab <b>52</b> includes a pull-up flap portion <b>54</b> that can be gripped between fingers of one hand and relatively easily be pulled in a direction away from the base layer <b>12</b>. To form the pull-up flap <b>54</b>, a portion of the rectangular tab <b>20</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> may be cut away or otherwise removed. In general, any suitable technique may be used to form the pull-up flap portion <b>54</b> of the tab <b>52</b>. In the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the pull-up flap portion <b>54</b> has a substantially semi-circular or semi-elliptical shape. However, in different embodiments, the pull-up flap portion <b>54</b> may be of any suitable shape or size. Further, the pull-up tab <b>54</b> may be located on a different side of the tab <b>52</b> than that shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. Additionally, in some embodiments, multiple pull-up flaps <b>54</b> may be included in the single tab <b>52</b>.

0029In some embodiments, the pull-up flap <b>54</b> may include one or more roughness-enhancing features <b>56</b> to help ensure that friction between the fingers and the pull-up flap <b>54</b> is sufficient to prevent slipping. The one or more roughness-enhancing features <b>56</b> may include a suitable roughness-enhancing coating or roughness-enhancing layer on one or both sides of the pull-up flap <b>54</b>. It should be noted that the roughness-enhancing layer/coating <b>56</b> may be excluded from portions of the tab <b>52</b> other than the pull-up flap <b>54</b>.

0030In some embodiments, tags such as <b>10</b> (of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>) and <b>50</b> (of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>), may include a tag-reordering-information portion <b>58</b>. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1, 2 and 3</figref>, a front surface of the tag-reordering-information portion <b>58</b> may include website information of the tag seller and a tag identifier or part number, which identifies a particular type of tag to be ordered. Additionally, other information such as a logotype of the tag seller may be included on the front surface of the tag-reordering-information portion <b>58</b>. In some embodiments, the tag-reordering-information portion <b>58</b> may be bi-layered and removably attached to the bottom portion <b>15</b> of the front layer <b>14</b> and to a bottom of the base layer <b>12</b> along a perforated line <b>60</b>. In other embodiments, tag-reordering-information portion <b>58</b> may include a single layer that is removably attached to either the bottom portion <b>15</b> of the front layer <b>14</b> or to the bottom of the base layer <b>12</b> along the perforated line <b>60</b>. Personnel may utilize manual force to tear the tag-reordering-information portion <b>58</b> away from the bottom portion of the front layer <b>14</b> and/or the bottom of the base layer <b>12</b> along the perforated line <b>60</b>.

0031In some embodiments, a back surface of the tag-reordering-information portion <b>58</b> is not coated with any adhesive and therefore is not removably attached to the backing layer <b>16</b>. The unattached portion allows personnel to lift the portion from the surface to allow for a better grasp to remove the base layer <b>12</b> from the surface.

0032In some embodiments, the tag <b>10</b>, <b>50</b> may include a tag-hanging portion (not shown) above the fields <b>17</b> of the top portion <b>13</b> of the front layer <b>12</b>. The tag-hanging portion may include a groove or hole (not shown) for hanging the tag <b>10</b>, <b>50</b>. The groove or hole may be sized to fit around a handle or any other suitable portion of the transportation cart or the hand held container. Alternatively, as indicated earlier, suitable ties (for example, wire ties, elastic loops, plastic ties, string ties, etc.) may be inserted into the hole for securing the tag <b>10</b>, <b>50</b> to the transportation cart or the hand held container.

0033Once the contaminated item or items are transported to the final/proper location for cleaning, the tag <b>10</b>, <b>50</b> may be removed from the transportation cart or the hand held container. The tag, <b>10</b>, <b>50</b> may then be suitably discarded.

0034It is also contemplated that a permanent base layer <b>12</b> can be utilized having the second status identifier <b>28</b> and the OSHA approved bio-hazardous material symbol <b>30</b>. The permanent base layer can be formed of a plastic or polymeric material that is impermeable to water and can be readily cleaned. Once the base layer <b>12</b> has been cleaned, a top layer <b>14</b> is adhered to the base layer to cover the second status identifier <b>28</b> while the first status identifier <b>20</b> would be visible.

0035It is also contemplated that the both status identifiers be located on the base layer and that two tear away tabs on the front layer be utilized to expose the desired status identifier. Whether utilizing a tag, which is a sticker, a hang tag or a plastic sheet, the present disclosure provides a communication tool to all who view the transportation cart or hand held container that the contents of the transportation cart or hand held container are either clean or contaminated with a bio-hazardous material.

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates a top view of a general embodiment of a tag <b>80</b> with cleanliness status identifiers. The tag <b>80</b> has a multi-layer construction that includes base layer <b>12</b>, front layer <b>14</b> and backing layer <b>16</b>. The front layer <b>14</b> includes top portion <b>13</b> and bottom portion <b>15</b>. In the tag <b>80</b>, a portion of the front layer <b>14</b>, between the top portion <b>13</b> and the bottom portion <b>15</b>, and a portion of base layer <b>12</b> form a cleanliness status identification portion <b>82</b>. The portion <b>82</b> includes a plurality of cleanliness status identifiers <b>84</b> with at least one of the plurality of cleanliness status identifiers <b>84</b> included on the base layer <b>12</b>. A tab <b>86</b> is included in the portion <b>82</b> for covering at least one of the plurality of cleanliness status identifiers <b>84</b> included on the base layer <b>12</b>. The tab <b>86</b> may or may not include at least one of the plurality of cleanliness status identifiers <b>84</b>. The portion <b>82</b> also includes connection sections <b>88</b> utilized for connecting the tab <b>86</b> to the top portion <b>13</b> and the bottom portion <b>15</b> of the front layer <b>14</b>.

0037The plurality of cleanliness status identifiers <b>84</b> can comprise a first cleanliness status identifier and a second cleanliness status identifier. The base layer <b>12</b> may include at least one of the first cleanliness status identifier and the second status identifier. When the tab <b>86</b> is secured over the base layer <b>12</b>, the tab <b>86</b> may cover one of the first cleanliness status identifier or the second cleanliness status identifier. The other one of the first cleanliness status identifier and the second cleanliness status identifier is visible. The visible cleanliness status identifier may be on the tab <b>86</b>. The tab <b>86</b> may be removable to expose the covered cleanliness status identifier in a manner described earlier. Alternatively, both the first cleanliness status identifier and the second cleanliness status identifier may be on the base layer <b>12</b> and the tab <b>86</b> may be sized to cover only one of the cleanliness status identifiers <b>84</b>. Here, the connection sections <b>88</b> may include an adhesive the enables sticking/re-sticking of the tab <b>86</b> such that the tab <b>86</b> may be stuck/re-stuck in at least a first location where only the first cleanliness status identifier is covered and in a second location where only the second cleanliness status identifier is covered. Movement of the tab <b>20</b> between the first and second locations can also be provided by employing connection sections <b>88</b> that include holders with channels that allow for sliding the tab <b>20</b> between the first and second locations. The holders with channels may be formed of a plastic or polymeric material.

0038Utilizing the status identification tag <b>10</b>, <b>50</b>, <b>80</b> related to the cleanliness of an item(s) within transportation cart or hand held container of the present disclosure provides a communication tool between the personnel in the operating room/procedure room and sterile processing area regarding the cleanliness of the item(s). The fields <b>17</b>, <b>19</b> and <b>21</b> on the tag <b>10</b> also ensure that the delivery of the item(s) with the transportation cart or hand held container is delivered to the proper location.

0039In the application, the designations “CLEAN” and “DIRTY” are utilized as the cleanliness designations <b>20</b> and <b>28</b>, respectively. However other designations are also contemplated, including other words, indicia or symbols for the first status identifier <b>22</b> and a different word for the second cleanliness designation <b>28</b>. Further, while the green color code is utilized as the background color for the first status identifier <b>22</b>, it is also contemplated that other colors can be utilized or that no color code be utilized with the status identification tag <b>10</b>, <b>50</b>, <b>80</b>.

0040<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows a simplified flow diagram <b>500</b> of a method of forming a tag for positioning on containers for carrying items(s). At step <b>502</b>, a base layer having a second status identifier is provided. This is followed by step <b>504</b> at which a front layer having a top portion and a bottom portion and a removable tab connecting the top portion and the bottom portion is provided. The removable tab includes a first status identifier. At step <b>506</b>, the top portion and the bottom portion of the front layer are secured to the base layer in a position in which the removable tab covers the second status identifier. The first status identifier is visible when the tab is retained to the front layer. The second status identifier is visible when the tab is removed.

0041Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.