Near field communication imminent in devices

A diagnostics firm and a biosensor specialist have teamed up to bring near field communication (NFC) technology for medical devices and sensors to market.

Medical diagnostic device company Welch Allyn and Gentag, a specialist in disposable biosensors that can be read with near field communication devices, announced the partnership.

"This collaborative opportunity will enable Welch Allyn to provide clinicians with smart monitoring solutions and improve patient access to cutting edge diagnostics," said Welch Allyn President and CEO, Stephen Meyer. 

NFC technology allows the integration of ultra-thin battery-less wireless sensors into various medical diagnostic applications. Sending patient measurement data wirelessly is thought to have potential for workflow efficiency and faster availability of clinical information.

"We are delighted by the partnership with Welch Allyn," said Gentag CEO, John Peeters.  "Welch Allyn has the knowledge, expertise and global market reach that will allow the globalisation of NFC technologies in medical diagnostic settings. By combining our intellectual property and technology portfolios with Welch Allyn, we feel that patients will be better served by the worldwide availability of high quality wireless medical devices."