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Hand key to accessing fitness facilities by Cindy Abole Public Relations Wellness Center member Francisca Davila enters her pin number before placing her hand in the new system. The handkey system, used with turnstiles, allows and monitors access into the cardio studio, aerobics studio and weight room areas. Right photo, a member places his right hand in the new handkey security system to enter the fitness facilities. It’s not Star Trek, but some “handy” new technology has arrived on the MUSC campus. Last year, the Student Wellness Center replaced the old with new technology as it relates  to security and access. Club members have done away with their 20th century magnetic strip access cards for the simple use of their right hand.  The result is secured access for more than 7,000 members who use the campus’ popular health and fitness facilities. It has also combined safety with accuracy, operating under lower costs and increased productivity. “It’s working better than what we expected,” said Ron G. McPhee, public information specialist at the Harper Student Center. “It’s a lot to ask people to make changes to something they’ve been used to for years.” The biometric hand identification device automatically reads the unique features of an individual’s hand. The new Express HandKey System operates a code access and a 3-D assessment to the shape and not the print of the hand or fingers. The system was used successfully in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Ga. Today, the system’s used extensively at other locations, including the University of Georgia and YMCAs across the country. The program allows Wellness Center staff to retrieve accounting information, attendance reports and track member activity. “The system identifies peak hours for members who use our facilities,” McPhee said. “It provides everyone a level of comfort and security. Most important, there’s better communications between our staff and members.” The system is used with a turnstile access at the entrance of the cardio arena, aerobics studio and weight room. Tokens will be distributed to daily visitors and guests to gain access to each secured area.