A US family is hoping to become the first family in the world to be implanted with a type of computer chip called a VeriChip. The chip, which was developed by Florida-based company Applied Digital Solutions, carries information about the patients medical history, thus if something happens to the patient doctors will be able to gain instant access to information to their history, what medications that are taking, any allergies they have, and their next of kin contact details. By giving doctors this information, they can avoid potential drug interactions or drug allergies, which can be fatal. The chip will also simply and speed up the process of identifying unconscious patients. According to Keith Bolton, chief technology officer at Applied Digital Solutions, the chip could be a lifesaver. VeriChip is roughly the same size of a grain of rice.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.reutershealth.com on the 7th March 2002
