The textile service industry seems to be plagued by the most costly element in providing service to healthcare providers––replacing items that have mysteriously disappeared, also known as pilferage.       
 
Over the years, this phenomenon has survived a myriad of attempts to minimize its economic impact. Efforts such as property marking with “stolen property,” a hospital’s logo or special design, comprehensive in-house educational programs, bar codes, radio frequency ID chips and sophisticated locker exchange systems have apparently proven to be exercises in futility. One can only conclude that the “thieves” have become technically savvy and made ...