FAQ’s

iCount is a patented surgical safety system designed to prevent retained surgical swabs,classified as “Never Events.”

iCount is a simple swab docking system that helps clinical teams visually account for every swab throughout the procedure. A photo of the device with docked swabs uploaded onto the electronic records provides documentation. AI can be used as an optional add-on for real-time alerts and more robust electronic documentation. The system assists swab counting, integrates into existing workflows, and is designed to enhance patient safety.

iCount uses a proprietary docking device to track surgical swabs in real-time, acting as a physical checklist. Extensive simulation (NIHR HRC) has shown that it has higher user confidence in accuracy of counts than manual counting. With optional AI and electronic medical records integration, it optimises accurate counting.

Manual swab counting is prone to errors, especially in high-pressure surgical environments. iCount is designed to address these errors, reducing the risk of retained swabs, which can cause severe complications such as pain, infection, psychological trauma, and the need for readmissions and re-operations.

iCount is tailored for NHS midwives, nurses, surgeons, obstetricians, patient safety executives,healthcare economists, and procurement professionals. It has been co-created with thesestakeholders to ensure it meets real-world clinical and operational needs.

Yes, iCount has undergone extensive usability studies and simulation testing, receiving positive feedback and iterative design refinements.

It aligns with National Safety Standards of Invasive Procedures (NatSSIPs), WHO Safe Surgery Guidelines and other international patient safety recommendations.

iCount has received multiple prestigious awards, including:

• RCOG Sir William Gilliatt Award
• MedilinkBusiness “One to Watch” Award
• Best Abstract Prize at the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors WorldConference
• Women’s Innovation Award from the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Absolutely. iCount aligns with WHO Safe Surgery Guidelines, ACOG, and RCOG recommendations,helping to enhance patient safety and improve the accuracy of blood loss measurement.

Retained surgical swabs are classified as “Never Events” due to the severity of their consequences—ranging from pain and infection to psychological trauma. iCount is specifically engineered to helpeliminate such incidents entirely.

Retained surgical swabs cost the NHS millions annually, with 557 cases reported between 2012 and 2022. iCount’s health economic cost-consequence analysis, conducted by the York Health Economic Consortium, and the business case, conducted by Nottingham University, show significant potential savings for healthcare providers in both direct and indirect costs.

How iCount differs from swab bags and plastic containers:

1. The number of iCount devices corresponds with the number and type of swabs in the procedure pack. This makes the pre-procedure count as accurate as possible. In contrast, itis difficult to accurately correlate the number of swab bags or plastic containers with the number of pre-procedural swabs.
2. Swab bags and plastic containers are non-sterile. While the entire team is responsible for swab counts, the scrub nurse primarily manages this within the sterile field. iCount docking devices are sterile and supplied within the procedure pack, making the process more seamless and optimised.

How iCount differs from swabs with fluorescent lines:
Swabs with fluorescent lines are easier to visualise during surgery but do not aid accurate countingwhen piled together. They also lack built-in counting support. These swabs can be used along side iCount for a “belt and braces” approach, improving both visibility and count accuracy.

How iCount differs from RFID solutions:

iCount, like RFID, uses an objective, technology-based verification method. However:

• It doesn’t require additional equipment like RFID scanners.
• It works via an app on standard tablets or mobile devices.
• It does not detect swabs left inside the wound like RFID, but it also does not interfere with medical devices such as pacemakers.
• iCount enhances the counting process with workflow-aligned, non-intrusive tools.

Key Features of iCount:

• Proprietary sterile docking device for secure swab tracking
• Optional integration with AI, digital whiteboards, and EMRs
• Real-time support from a computer vision AI interface to reduce human error and confirmation bias
• Aligned with WHO Safe Surgery Guidelines, NatSSIPs, and other national protocols
• Developed with human factors engineering to ensure a user-friendly experience

iCount doesn’t just help you count swabs,it helps you count smarter. With traceability,accountability, and auditability built in, iCount aims to close a century-old safety gap.

For inquiries or further information, please contact us at hello@icountcorrect.com