Alabama hospital uses digital imaging to create newborn footprints

At Tuscaloosa’s DCH Regional Medical Center in Alabama, nurses are utilizing the latest imaging technology to create digital footprints of a newborn, WBRC Fox 6 News reports.

Traditionally, the hospital has used ink to make imprints of a baby’s foot, but the new scanner produces a digital ID that lasts longer and can be more easily identified if a baby should go missing, Fox 6 reported.

Each mother received a printed copy of the image and can view the digital version at home on their own computer.

“It's new technology that the company has worked with many maternity units and national centers for missing and exploited children to enhance our safety features with our newborns and their mothers," said Traci Swann, a registered nurse and manager in DCH’s pediatric unit.

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Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.

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