Microchips becoming the latest medical
accessory
Oct 18, 2006 05:02 AM
It's a technology that's already being used on millions of pets in
America. Now, microchips are being implanted in human beings as
well and this week in Las Vegas, the procedure is being performed
on dozens of people attending a medical convention.
The implants are inserted into the arm. The tiny computer chips can
help doctors get important medical information. The chips are
incredibly small and are implanted just under the skin.
The chips that are used in dogs and cats contain information that
can identify the animal if it gets lost. In the case of humans, the
chips provide a link to a computer database that gives doctors
instant access to a patient's complete medical history.
All this week at the Las Vegas Convention Center, health care
professionals are having the chips surgically implanted.
Not everyone is ready to have a micro chip in their body, and the
people who run the company called Verichip understand that some
people are afraid that the technology could be used to track their
behavior, or turn them into some sort of futuristic computer
controlled being.
"That's complete Sci-Fi," said Marc Poulshock, Verichip. "There's
no GPS on it at all."
Only one doctor in the Las Vegas area is actively performing the
implants, and he says there are many reasons why he believe's the
device can help save a patient's life.
"If they've been in a car accident, or if the person has allergies,
the chip will lead you to that data," said Dr. Darin
Brimhall.
The procedure leaves a small, temporary scar, and after that, the
chip is so small, it virtually disappears into the body. The
current cost for patents to have the chip implanted runs between
$200 and $300.
One idea for the chips is to implant them in U.S. Military
personnel so that soldiers injured in the field can be quickly and
accurately identified.
According to the makers of the chip, ten hospitals and emergency
rooms in Las Vegas have agreed to begin using the devices that scan
for the implants.
