Abstract: A handheld computing device for use in hospitals, operating rooms, and other medical care facilities. The handheld computing device includes a processor, display, user interface, memory, one or more embedded environmental sensors, and one or more scanners for reading identifier codes that uniquely identify sterile and non-sterile supplies, instruments and disposable components thereof and other inventory items and supplies that are used in the course of a medical procedure such as surgery. To manage the accounting of various items used in an operating room for example, the handheld computing device is provided with an RF tag reader and a barcode reader to read and identify medical items that are used in the course of a medical procedure. In the course of scanning such identifier codes, the handheld computing device receives inventory accounting information that is stored within the memory of the device, and which can be subsequently downloaded and transferred to one or more external databases.