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FDA Approves Chip
Implant That Can Prevent Treatment Errors
posted October 21, 2004
A computer chip that is implanted
under the skin won U.S. approval for use in helping doctors quickly access a
patient's medical history.
The VeriChip, sold by Applied Digital Solutions Inc., is placed in the upper arm
in a painless procedure that takes minutes, the company said.
About the size of a grain of rice, the chip contains a patient's identification
number that corresponds to health information in a computer database. A handheld
scanner can retrieve the patient's number from the chip, which emits radio waves
when activated.
Proponents hope doctors will use the technology to find vital information about
someone who is unconscious or having trouble communicating. The database could
include details such as medication use, allergies and major health problems.
The chip implants have been used for years for various purposes such as
identifying lost pets. But Applied Digital was not allowed to market the chips
for medical use in the United States until the company received clearance from
the Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday.
The FDA ruled in 2002 that it would not regulate financial, security or other
uses of the chips.
Privacy advocates have voiced worry about the speedy transfer of sensitive
medical information via computer. Applied Digital said the data would be kept
secure.
Source: Diabetes In Control.com.
October 2004 News Article Index
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