Popular Science recently named the Xhale HyGreen one of the top scientific products of 2009. The device was developed by doctors at my alma mater, the University of Florida. UF has had an absurd amount of spin-off technology companies that result from the work of professors and researchers. This practical device ranks near the top of that list, in my opinion.
The HyGreen will have a profound impact on the health care industry, and perhaps the restaurant industry, too. Basically, it senses the cleanliness of doctors' and nurses' hands. According to Popular Science, this is how it works:
"The HyGreen system reminds them to scrub—and keeps a record of who doesn’t. After cleaning their hands with alcohol-based sanitizers, doctors and nurses place them under the HyGreen sensor that sniffs for alcohol, which kills 99.99 percent of germs, and sends a wireless “all clean” message to a badge worn on the person’s shirt pocket. A wireless monitor on patient beds searches for the message—if it’s absent, the badge vibrates, reminding the wearer to sanitize his hands. During a five-month field test of HyGreen at the University of Florida’s medical center, infection rates dropped to zero."
This system is certain to catch on at hospitals around the country. Statistics from Xhale state that health care-acquired infections account for the deaths of nearly 270 people in the U.S. daily and about $40 billion in health care costs annually. If you want to find a health care reform issue that save money and lives, and spurs private sector profit, this may be it.
I wish I had thought of this. Unfortunately, I have no scientific background and not a lick of relevant experience. One day this device could be ubiquitous in hospitals and clinics. It could even make its way into the restaurant industry. Wouldn't you be happy to know that the person making your dinner actually complied with the "Employees must wash hands before returning to work" sign in the restroom?
Common Since: HyGreen is a practical solution to some of the problems associated with the quality and cost of health care. Better yet, it will save lives through preventing negligent infections. I hope that hospitals around the country place these devices into use. My only regret is that I hadn't invested in this technology a couple of years ago. Those venture capitalists will be taking this one to the bank.
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