Proventix Systems and Synapse Wireless, both Alabama-based technology companies, announced they would partner to provide technology to prevent healthcare acquired infections (HAIs).

Each year, HAIs affect an estimated 1.7 million United States citizens due to hospital stays. According to the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology the infections can result in up to $33 billion dollars in excess healthcare costs. "There are 90,000 people a year that die from contracting infectious diseases in hospitals," notes Wade Patterson, CEO and founder of Synapse Wireless. "Yes, it [the partnership] will save a lot of money, but, more importantly, it will save lives and that makes it worthwhile."

Proventix and Synapse Wireless intend to combine two of their existing technologies into a wireless hand hygiene compliance and information delivery system for medical personnel.

"Proventix developed the nGage system, which is a touchless hand communication and hand hygiene monitoring system to help eliminate the spread of infections in hospitals," said Harvey Nix, inventor of nGage as well as the founder and CEO of Proventix. "Our partnership with Synapse Wireless now enables us to use their SNAP technology to make our system wireless."

The new device would constantly monitor these factors, using individualized wireless identification badges and wall-mounted soap dispensers. After being recognized by a dispenser's control unit and completing a hygiene event, the device would then provide relevant information about the patient and about other subjects related to the employee.

"Healthcare workers want to do a good job, and know that hand hygiene is the best way to eliminate the spread of infections," said Harvey Nix. "So, to compel and encourage them to reach hand hygiene compliance, we want to give something back to them without adding to their already demanding job."