1. Presented by Jeannette Wallett RN
Verichip™
Presented by
Jeannette Wallett RN

2. Objectives
Given the information on Verichip™ in this power point, the learner will be able to:
Understand what Verichip™ is
Know how Verichip™ is used in the medical field
What hardware and software is needed to utilize Verichip™
Ethical issues of human implantation of a microchip

3. Verichip™ Objectives
Ethical/legal issues-Is big brother really watching every move we make
Nursing advantages: Quick, automatic and accurate access to patient medical information, no mistaken identify
Software needed for Verichip™ information access
Disadvantages of an implanted RFID chip
Big brother is not watching, the Verichip is NOT a locator system. It is an implanted chip that only contains a 16 digit code, that when scanned, will access medical information if a password is provided.

4. Verichip™ Is… The size of a grain of rice Inserted under the skin
Silent and invisible
A dormant chip that stores a code that releases patient-specific information when a scanner passes over it
Not a record keeper but a code only RFID
Insertion: with a needle in a procedure that takes less than 20 minutes to complete
Silent/invisible due to being inserted under skin and uses a scanner to access the 16 code digit to access a databse

5. Verichip™
Verichip™-Identification, protection, prevention and medical management
Hardware and software is needed for Verichip™
Radio frequency identification (RFID), FDA approved implantable RFID chip for humans. Information is always with patient, secure, reversible and never lost

6. Verichip
Uses a scanner to read the RFID implant, linked to a database of information for the client
The nurse will use the scanner to obtain the 16-digit code from the RFID allowing access to a highly secure database to access the client’s information

7. Verichip™ Has… Already been implanted in pets
Been used successfully in other areas of life
Given the scanners to hospitals for free
Applied Digital gave away scanners to a few hundred animal shelters and veterinary clinics when it first entered the pet market 15 years ago. Now, 50,000 such scanners have been sold.
Meanwhile, the chip has been used for pure whimsy: Club hoppers in Barcelona, Spain, now use the microchip to enter a VIP area and, through links to a different database, speed payment much like a smartcard.
To kickstart the chip’s use among humans, Applied Digital will provide $650 scanners for free at 200 of the nation’s trauma centers.

8. Verichip Hardware Implanted Microchip Handheld Microchip Reader
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)

9. Implanted RFID Microchip
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag or microchip is about the size of a grain of rice. RFID refers to technologies that utilize radio waves to automatically identify individual items. RFID technology allows information to be collected quickly and automatically and does not require contact or line-of-sight. The reader generates an electromagnetic field through its antenna. Once the tag enters the detection area, it becomes active when receiving a signal through its own antenna. This signal is used to turn on the tag's transmitter and allows the tag to communicate and exchange information with the reader. The reader then transmits the data to a computer or server for processing and management. A basic system consists of two components including a tag (RFID Microchip) and a reader with an antenna. Passive RFID tags like our Health Link implantable microchip, on the other hand, are not powered by a battery, but instead rely on power generated by the reader. The read range for active tags ranges from a few inches to over a hundred feet. The read range for passive tags ranges from one to ten feet.
RFID systems can run on frequencies anywhere between 30 KHz to 500 KHz (low frequency), 850 MHz to 950 MHz and 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz (both considered high frequency). The microchip itself does not contain any other data other than this unique electronic ID, nor does it contain any Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking capabilities. (verichipcorp.com)

10. Verichip Handheld Scanner
Scanner is used to read implanted Verichip™ to transmit a 16 digit code to access patient information.

11. Verichip Software 16 Digit Unique Code Verimed Health Link Database
Password Protected Database
16 digit code is only on the chip not any other information
Chip needs to be scanned to access database of the Verimed Health Link to access information
To access information you need a password
(healthlink.com)

12. 16 Digit Unique Identifier Code
Verichip Software
16 Digit Unique Identifier Code
Health Link is the connection between you and your personal health record. Health Link utilizes a tiny, passive microchip (the nation’s first and only microchip cleared for patient identification by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration) and a secure, private online database that links you to your personal health record. Health Link is always with you and cannot be lost or stolen. It provides emergency room doctors and nurses with your vital medical and emergency contact information, allowing them to treat you rapidly, accurately and safely during an emergency.
Your personal medical and emergency contact information is easily updated through Health Link’s secure, online database. The only thing stored in the RFID microchip is a unique 16 digit identifier code. The code is read by a handheld scanner that is connected to Health Link’s database that allows medical personnel to view your identification, medical history, and emergency contact information. The database is the information accessed by the scanning of the RFID. Your medical information can easily be updated through Health Link’s database. (

13. Software Evaluation Human Factors involved in utilizing Verichip™
Ergonomics of Verichip™ use
Usability of Verichip™
Human factors: Involve the patient having the chip implanted with a 16 digit unique code to them. The nurse will use a scanner to obtain the 16 digit code and access patient information.
Ergonomics: General design is use to use, simply scan the implanted chip with a handheld scanner. The information is then accessed using a password to obtain the information. On the nurses’ part comfort and convenience since information is accessed quickly and is pertinent to making medical decisions. The patient who may be unconscious is able to provide the information through accessing the data via barcode read by scanner.
Usability: Quick, accurate. Handheld is taken to a desk top computer specifically used for Verichip™, downloaded through a serial cable, and information obtained. Privacy is improved since you do not need to have a 2nd or 3rd party obtain the information such as other personnel, fax, etc. It is immediately at your viewing once the code is downloaded.

14. Clinical Uses of Verichip ™
Information System
Clinical Uses of Verichip ™
Special Purpose
Clinical uses for Verichip are to assist medical personnel in the quick recover of medical information for the individual.
Since Verichip is unique to each person and updated at a moment’s notice, information provided can tell medical staff of allergies, medical conditions and history.
Verichip technology allows medical staff to make clinical decisions quickly since there is no need to wait on requesting medical records, faxing, etc.
Privacy and accuracy are what is strived for and achieved with Verichip technology.

15. Summarization of Information System for Verichip ™
Who uses Verichip ™ Technology
Functionality of Verichip™
IS Configuration
Data Standards
Disease and Procedure Classification
Recommendations of Verichip™ Use
Verichip is used first and foremost by the patient per se. Medical staff (doctors, nurses, emergency personnel) who have a Verichip scanner and password and access the patient information system database. It is NOT used for billing, as a GPS (global positioning system) or for exchange of money. The Verichip itself is only a unique numbered code, has to be scanned, downloaded and a password are needed to access information.
In addition to these functions and users of Verichip, it is able to help providers diagnose and treat patients. Information accessed is limited or expanded on by the patient for accessibility. Allergies, past history and current medical conditions are able to be retrieved. As well as blood type.
Several IS configurations are used-the implanted microchip of the patient, Workstation where the scanner is downloaded and the staff are able to see the information on a desktop computer or handheld computer, mainframe where the information is stored and accessed from using a password.
Data standards reviewed by Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. (
There is not a disease and procedure classification system used. What is accessed is a unique 16 digit identifier that is implanted in the patient, scanned, password protected to access information and information displayed on a computer screen. Hospitals do need to have the Verichip scanner to access information as well as the password. The chip itself does not contain medical information, but rather access to it.
I would recommend Verichip technology. Patients have a hard enough time remembering their medical conditions, let alone the long list of medications and the details of the Rx (dose, route, time). The ease and quick access of medical information is a plus with time sensitive injuries such as heart attacks or car accidents to name a few. Alzheimer’s patients, failing memory, etc also would not impede medical care if the patient can be scanned. Time is of the essence when it comes to emergency care, but having up to date information on a routine office visit is just as important for preventive medical care. As I see it, we will become a society of “chips” and no more “charts” as we now know a medical file to be.

16. Verichip™
Chips NOT Charts?
It’s In Our future

17. Ethical Ethical considerations for Verichip™
Is Big Brother really watching Us
Ethical considerations surrounding Verichip:people are afraid they can be tracked like a GPS. They can not
People feel this will be required to be implanted at birth. So far it is voluntary.
Public feels information is all on the chip. Education and information to the public is key to let them know it is only a unique 16 digit code on the chip itself that must be accessed with a Verchip scanner, password and to the Healthlink database.

18. Disadvantages Must have scanner
Must have password to access Healthlink Database
Fee for service
Implantation site reaction
To utilize the microchip medical facilities are required to have the Verichip scanner with download station to be able to access the patient information
In order to access the data, you must have a Healthlink provided password
Medical facilities pay for the service and scanner to be able to access the patient’s information.
Patients must pay to have the microchip inserted
Possible skin reactions at site of implantation.

19. Advantages Access to health status of patient
Use in patients unable to communicate
Up to date information
Patients decide what information to disclose
No mistaken identity
Privacy
Verichip allows immediate access to a patient’s medication list, medical conditions, surgeries, etc.
Unconscious patients are able to be treated due to the availability of their medical information. This also applies to those who have cognitive defects.
Information is up to date and not confused with outdated or wrong information.
The patient decides what information goes into the database to be accessed by medical personnel.
The information is essentially a direct link to the patient and their own information, not to be confused with someone else with the same name.
Privacy is maintained due to the password required for the 16 digit code on the implanted chip. No need to fax or medical information. No need to have several people “gather” the information, process it and pass it on to the required personnel.

20. To Sum It All Up Verichip™ provides: Instant information Privacy
Life Saving Decisions
Peace of Mind
Verichip provides instant and accurate medical information on the patient.
Privacy is maintained since only one person can access and view the information needed and no need to be processed by several people and shared.
Life saving decisions can be made such as the patient may be in shock due to an allergy or medical condition such as diabetes. These conditions can be assessed first and quickly if known to medical staff.
Patient gets reassurance they will receive the appropriate care for their medical conditions and medications to avoid interactions since medical staff and view their medical record at a moment’s notice.

21. References
Verichip™ Home Webpage. Accessed June 2009.
Home Link Home Webpage. Accessed June 2009.
MSNBC Home Webpage. Accessed June 2009.
Findbiometrics Home Webpage.
Accessed June 2009.
Freewebs Home Webpage.
Accessed July 2009.