Abstract: A system is provided for the detection of items found in the operating room and/or more specifically left on or within the body cavity. Such items could include, but are not limited to, laparotomy sponges, disposables, operating room towels or surgical instruments. The items are conjoined with a form of an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tag that may be either adhered or woven to the item or incorporated within the item during the manufacturing process. The system includes a multi-channel electromagnetic device, which may be a hand-held device, that when placed within proximity of the tagged item will sound an alarm. The device has a second electromagnetic mode of operation for the detection of metallic instruments. If the device is within the proximity of surgical metallic objects within the body cavity or waste bags the alarm will sound.