Potential Applications of RFID Technology in Medicine

Paul Fontelo, Fang Liu, Michael Ackerman

High Performance Computing and Communications

National Library of Medicine

Bethesda, Maryland 20894

What is RFID?

• RFID = Radio-frequency identification • identification method using RFID tags

or transponders• RFID tag contains data read remotely • device attached or incorporated on a

product, animal, or person • Tags read using radio waves (‘swipe’

‘no touch’ vs ‘touch’)

RFID tags

Sources: Chase, Verichip, http://www.amal.net/rfid.html, E-Zpass, FasTrak, ASTAR, IME

RFID tags

Active Passive

+ - + -Long range Bigger, heavier Light, small Short range

Read/write with memory

$$ $, ¢ $$$$ reader,

freq recharge

Can connect to sensors (on/off)

Battery 0.5 - 5 years

3 - 10 years Read only

Heavier Simple label, printed special ink

Inactive, needs proximity

Barcode RFID

Scanning? Yes, line of sight No

Unique ID? No (product type) Yes (identify specific item)

Tracking? No Yes

Cost? Cheaper More

Practicality? Pallet/case Item level

Security? Unique ID May be duplicated

Reliability? Long history of use Early adoption

Effect of Shielding

RFID Issues

• Security is the biggest concern– May be read by anyone– Activation range can be extended– ‘Cloning’ - data can be copied

• Privacy issues– Used for tracking– Identity of carrier may be known

Conclusion

• RFID is a tool with medical applications

• Plus - no ‘line of sight’ requirement, convenient

• Negative - security, privacy, cost

• Combination of technologies (barcode, RFID) and security/privacy solutions (encryption, shielding)

Paul Fontelo, MD, MPHHigh Performance Computing and

CommunicationsNational Library of Medicine

fontelo@nlm.nih.gov301.435.3265