PDC Introduces DuraPrint Laser Printable Patient ID System

Precision Dynamics Corporation (PDC), the global leader in patient identification, today announced the launch of DuraPrint, a new laser printable patient ID system that offers one-step on-demand printing of wristbands and labels. With a wide array of features focused on positive patient safety and convenience, DuraPrint is the latest addition to PDC’s full line of bar code identification solutions since the company acquired TimeMed Labeling Systems, Inc. last November.

Unlike other laser printable systems, DuraPrint’s patented one-piece sheet design contains no laminate overlay. The feature doesn’t compromise the security of patient information as DuraPrint is constructed of a robust material that resists water, moisture, alcohol, and hand sanitizer, while withstanding wristband seepage or puckering. DuraPrint also helps ensure a clear and accurate scan of the bar code, which is vital to the positive identification of patients, and the medications and specimens that are linked to them. A dual closure position on the wristband allows hospitals to choose an adhesive or snap closure.

Scott Hirst, director of marketing at PDC, said DuraPrint is engineered to overcome challenges of traditional laser sheets related to bar code scanability, printer feedability, and comfort. “DuraPrint represents a more patient-friendly and user-friendly solution that complements PDC’s popular thermal bar code identification products. Most importantly, it helps hospitals meet important patient safety goals set forth by The Joint Commission to support performance improvement in health care organizations,” said Hirst.

While DuraPrint is rigorously tested for strength and durability, it’s soft and pliable for maximum patient comfort—a feature that was favored by hospitals that piloted the product. Among these was Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, FL, which was particularly impressed with the increased print quality and versatility of DuraPrint compared to the former laser sheeted product it was using.

Melba Darden, Manager of Clinical Nursing at Sacred Heart, said that the hospital encountered smearing and smudging problems when printing with the former product, while DuraPrint “consistently yielded high quality output with better toner adhesion for accurate bar code scanning. It has proven to be a valuable and versatile solution at our facility,” she said. The hospital also preferred the smooth edges of the DuraPrint wristband, which Darden said are much softer on patients’ skin. Sacred Heart Hospital plans to extend DuraPrint applications to other areas of the facility, including specimen collection, blood draws, and breast milk draws.