The VeriChip

Presented By
D. Priyanka
K. Krishna Chaitanya
ECE-A
SEM 2-1
 CONTENTS

• What is VeriChip.
• Hardware and software utilized with VeriChip.
• The information system used with VeriChip.
• Applications.
• Advantages.
• Disadvantages.
• Conclusion.
• Future Scope.
• References.
 What is VeriChip

• VeriChip is an implantable universal means of

identification.
• Classified as a radio frequency identification device
(RFID).
• Utilizes radio waves to transmit information wirelessly.
• Implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of humans
between the antecubital fossa and shoulder.
• When device is activated by VeriChip scanner, emits a
16-digit corresponding number.
• Approved for use by FDA in 2004.
(U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, 2004)
• Uses a portable handheld device to read
one’s unique code.
• Code is then entered into a secure database
that has correlating healthcare data.
• Stored data can contain any information,
but examples are as follows:
1. History of seizures
2. Cardiac history
3. Blood disorder/type
4. Age/Name/Address
5.Organ Donor
• VeriChip is comparable to the size of a
rice grain.
• VeriChip is easily implantable in a
doctor’s office with a local anesthetic.
• Used for other identification purposes
worldwide (employee ID, payment,
etc.)
• Various employers in the U.S. have
required this implantation for
improved security.
• In 2007, 222 people had this device
implanted and in 2008, the number is
estimated around 300.
 Hardware Utilized for VeriChip

• The Hardware for VeriChip

consists of two items:
1. An Implanted ID chip
 Tissue Bonding Cap
 Antenna
 ID Chip
2. A Scanning device
 Software Utilized for VeriChip
• Utilizes a secure online Global VeriChip
Subscriber (GVS) Registry, Approximately
21 trillion different combinations of 16-
digit codes can be stored within database.
(20,922,789,888,000, to be exact)

• Security Measures
- chip readers only issued to healthcare
providers
- need username/password & 16-digit ID
(VeriMed Patient Identification – Testimonials,
• VeriMed Software 2009)

(VeriMed Patient Identification - FAQ, 2009)

• Usability is high Easy to use & Easy to

learn
 The information system used with VeriChip
• VeriChip is a Clinical Information System.
• Users include only physicians and nurses.
• NOT considered a nursing information system.
• This IS allows users to access necessary healthcare data.
• Accessed via any minicomputer with specialty software and
passwords.
• The Data standards used by VeriChip is the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) (RFID News, 2009)
- ANSI certified VeriChip for their openness, balance,
consensus and due process (ANSI, 2008)
 Applications

• Unlock Doors
• Turn on Electronics
• Tracking People GPS
• Contactless Payment
• Drug Administration
 Advantages

• Easily implantable.
• Information is easily assessable in an
emergency with access to a chip reader.
• Information stored on VeriChip can help save
your life.
• You’ll be able to automatically control many
of your devices.
 Disadvantages

• Skin/tissue reactions.
• Increased risk of lethal cancers.
• Possible dislodgement of chip .
• Potential leak of personal information.
• Not all hospitals have the necessary
technology.
 CONCLUSION

• RFID chips are already widely implemented. While

the thought of having a chip injected into your body
is a little strange, it really is no stranger than other
implanted devices we use today, such as pacemakers.
At this point, micro chipping is purely voluntary and
mainly used for high-risk patients such as diabetics.
Mass implantation of these chips will however need
to undergo many debates about health and privacy
issues.
• The Cost of VeriChip is around 200$.
Future Scope
 References

• Electronic Privacy Information Center (2004, March 15). VeriChip.

http://epic.org/privacy/rfid/verichip.html

• American National Standards Institute (2008). Introduction to ANSI.

http://www.ansi.org/about_ansi/introduction/introduction.aspx?menuid=1

• Prison Planet (2004, April 7). Baja Beach Club in Barcelona, Spain Launches Microchip
Implantation for VIP Members.

http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/april2004/040704bajabeachclub.htm

• RFID News (2009) ANSI Approves new standard for RFID in Healthcare.

http://www.rfidnews.org/2009/08/03/ansi-approves-news-standard-for-rfid-in-healthcare