Biometric Review and Comparison

Each of the available biometric technologies has particular applications where it excels. The table below compares selected features of iris, finger, palm vein, and legacy bracelet systems that are particularly important in the healthcare field.

Of the three major commercial biometric technologies, facial recognition is omitted from the comparison because it lacks the accuracy needed for patient identification. The performance characteristics of the three preeminent technologies were evaluated and determined by U.S. government labs (NIST) in an extensive two-year study completed in 2007. Facilities that adopt iris identification can therefore be assured that their ID system will operate without any meaningful possibility of error.

Should anyone allege an identification error, facilities using iris technology can demonstrate that they were not negligent since they selecting an identification system that employs proven, U.S. government tested technology. A fourth technology, palm vein identification, is included for comparison purposes. However, this is a relatively unproven technology that has not been validated by the NIST labs.

Feature	Iris	Finger	Palm Vein	Bracelet / ID Card
Sterile ID - no sensor contact	þ	û	û	þ
NIST-validated accuracy claims	þ	þ	û	n/a
<0.000001% matching error rate	þ	û	û	û
Can't be lost, stolen, loaned, or forgotten	þ	þ	þ	û
No consumables required	þ	(1)	(1)	û
Hard to forge	þ	þ	þ	û
Provides positive staff ID without removing gloves/masks	þ	û	û	û
Allows reliable instant staff log-in	þ	û	û	û

(1) Both Finger and Palm Vein sensors require physical contact with the patient for accurate operation, and must be sterilized between uses using consumable sterile wipes or the like.