Locking systems for medical trolleys: the ultimate guide for a safe choice

In a healthcare environment, every second counts: that is why safety and efficiency are key elements. The protection of medications and instruments is not an optional or just a bureaucratic issue, but a fundamental element for the correct functioning of the entire structure. Hospital trolleys, true silent assistants of medical personnel, must be equipped with locking systems that perfectly balance reliability and accessibility.

In this guide, we will showcase different types of locks for medical trolleys, helping you choose the most suitable solution based on your needs.

Trolleys with lock by numbered seals

When you need immediate access, but also the certainty that everything is in its place, the locking system with numbered seal is the ideal solution. It is a disposable device to be applied to the external locking mechanism of the cart: if the seal is intact, the content is untouched, so you can be sure that everything is in its place. If the seal is broken, it means that someone has had access to the cart and the medications must be checked or restocked.

This solution is particularly suitable for emergency trolleys, because a key system would slow down operations considerably and the medical staff must be certain that all life-saving drugs are available.

Trolleys with key lock

For medical records trolleys and procedure trolleys, the key lock remains the simplest and most effective solution: it is a classic system that we can implement on all our hospital trolleys. This system prevents unauthorized access, protecting drugs and instruments from improper use.

The systems provided by CFS Italia can also adopt special solutions, to meet the practical needs of all types of healthcare facilities. For example, one-key systems allow you to open multiple trolleys with a single key, avoiding the management of multiple different keys and improving operational efficiency. Alternatively, if multiple people need access to the same trolley, we can provide duplicate keys for all healthcare personnel who need them.

Trolleys with electronic lock

Nowadays, locking systems of hospital carts have improved thanks to enw technologies. Today there are electronic locks that work in different ways: with numeric codes, badges or RFID wristbands, or via Bluetooth.

Locks with keypad → access with a numeric code. This eliminates the need for physical keys, which can be lost or forgotten, and simplifies management without the need for duplicates.

Locks with RFID badges, cards or wristbands → each access is recorded with date, time and operator name. This system is ideal for carts that contain controlled drugs because it always lets you know who opened them and when. It is the most popular solution in the international market.

Locks with Bluetooth system → with an app on a smartphone you can open and close a cart. They provide a high level of security and allow you to enable new users, check access history and manage permissions conveniently and quickly.

These systems improve security, reduce the risk of unauthorized access, and simplify the work of healthcare staff.

The right lock for every need

Choosing the best locking system depends on several factors that should be carefully considered.

Quick access: In emergency carts, numbered seals are irreplaceable. They break in an instant and, if broken, indicate the immediate need for an inspection, ensuring that life-saving material is always ready for use.

Content protection: Key locks offer reliable protection against unauthorized access. The ability to customize systems with master or duplicate keys increases convenience without compromising security.

Traceability and control: for regulated or valuable drugs, electronic card or badge locks are the ideal choice. Recording each access with date, time and user ID ensures complete traceability, essential for monitoring and managing drugs.

Frequency of use: In departments with high frequency of use, keyless systems, such as electronic combination locks, improve efficiency by eliminating the need to manage physical keys.

Management of multiple trolleys: In facilities with large numbers of carts, one-key systems simplify management and reduce the risk of lost keys, streamlining workflow.

Personalized consultancy

Our team of experts is ready to listen to the specific needs of hospitals, nursing homes or specialized clinics to find the most suitable solutions. Contact us at commerciale@cfsitalia.com for a personalized consultancy or visit the reserved area of our website to check out the complete catalogue.

Locking systems for hospital trolleys: make the right choice

CFS Tips