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Radiofrequency (RF) patient identification tags designed for implantation in the human body. These tags typically consist of electronic microchips that contain numerical data that permit patient identification by a location device (reader); the chips are usually implanted under the skin, frequently using a syringe loaded with the implant. The chips usually include antennae that can transmit data using RF electromagnetic radiation. RF tags may include batteries to power an attached radio transmitter (active tag); other tags work with the RF energy supplied by a location device (passive tags). Some tags include batteries only to supply energy to the internal circuitry or to attached sensors (semi-active tags) but not to generate RF signals. Implantable RF patient identification tags are used mainly to locate patients (e.g., to identify unconscious patients, to prevent mentally disoriented patients from wandering); other intended uses include preventing identification mistakes during surgical and radiotherapy procedures.
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