An input and output display calculator for tracking medical devices used during surgery. Input buttons corresponding to the numbers and packages of needles and sponges allow the user to input this information into the calculator. Output provide for an up to date readout of the total number of such sponges/needles used during the procedure as well as a total of those that have not yet been accounted for. Input buttons on the display face of the calculator provide a means for the nurse or other personnel to input the number of needles/sponges used in increments corresponding to the number of such needles and sponges found in a typical package of such items. Subtraction buttons allow for such numbers to be removed from the display in the event of errors. A timer means records the time that such numbers are added and subtracted and a printer allows for a printed record of such to be made. Display outputs present the total number of needles/sponges used as well as the number of packages of such that have been used so far in the procedure.

Articles such as garments to be cleaned are associated in a group (e.g., one customer's order). After processing together with articles from other groups, the articles are to be reassembled in their original group units. Coded labels are attached to each of the articles and identify or are cross referenced to its group, e.g., with barcodes. If articles with permanent labels are processed, group codes are assigned and stored for such articles, indexed to the permanent label information. Other articles are each labelled as to their groups. The total count or number of articles in each group is recorded, preferably on the article labels but also possibly in a data memory accessible to a data processor coupled to a scanner. For manually regrouping the articles, a scanner is used and the group identification is determined as articles are encountered. The data processor assigns and indicates visually one of a number of assembly locations to be used temporarily to store the articles for each group. As the articles are scanned and manually placed, they are counted. The data processor compares the current count with the total for that group, and signals when the group is complete, whereupon the location can assemble another group. The device can be coupled to an inventory control system or operated as a stand alone unit, particularly if the number of articles in each group is recorded on the label.

A surgical instrument file system comprised of a screen on which the names and pictures of surgical instruments required for a surgical procedure are selectively displayed; surgical instruments to which a unique optically readable code mark such as a bar code is attached; a reader for reading the optically readable code mark; and a computer which stores the data about surgical instruments for the surgical procedure and into which the information from the optically readable code mark is inputted. The optically readable code mark on a surgical instrument is read by the reader and inputted into the computer, by which the read and inputted surgical instruments are successively identified on a screen, and finally the preparation of surgical instrument sets can be confirmed.

The invention relates to work pieces (2), such as surgical instruments provided with a machine-readable data carrier (1). Said data support contains a data section (3) with individual cavities (4) arranged therein, forming a two-dimensional matrix code (5). The cavities exhibit a particular advantage in that they are machine-cut, especially by means of boring. Damage causing structural alterations to the material occurring when a code is burnt in by means of laser radiation can be reduced in a reliable manner. The contrast effect of the cavities is sufficient and the data support is particularly resistant to mechanical influences.

The method and system include marking a surgery site (e.g., location of surgical incision) or a site of other medical action with a machine-readable medical marking (e.g., bar code or a dot pattern), which may be used in conjunction with (1) a scanner for reading the machine-readable medical marking and (2) a controller for controlling medical actions in response to the read machine-readable medical marking. The system and method ensure the validation of the surgical procedure, the patient awaiting the surgical procedure, and the site or location on the patient where the surgery is to be performed. Utilizing a scanning device for reading machine-readable medical markings, and a controller, there are additional means to check and double check the medical action before the actual medical action (e.g., surgery) is performed.