Implantable glucose monitors are like UFOs, there is no shortage of sightings, but rarely does one actually live up to the press releases. But like a little school boy, we get all a flutter whenever anyone mentions implantable RFID chips… so we’re willing to get our hopes up for this new product.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has granted Digital Angel Corporation (AMEX: DOC) a patent for its syringe-implantable glucose-sensing RFID microchip, Digital Angel announced today. The RFID microchip measures the glucose concentration levels of diabetic patients and will be marketed and distributed by Digital Angel’s sister company, VeriChip, as an extension to the company’s products benefiting people.
“A glucose-sensing microchip could profoundly impact the 230 million people worldwide living with diabetes,” said Digital Angel CEO and President, Kevin McGrath. “Patent approval for this RFID microchip is a major step in bringing this life-altering technology to market. It also underscores Digital Angel’s commitment to innovation, product development and rapid growth.”
Checking blood glucose levels regularly is critical to properly managing diabetes. The conventional method – a finger prick – is invasive, painful and often inaccurate. The implantable bio-sensor chip has a passive transponder, glucose sensor and integrated circuitry that allow anyone implanted with the microchip to painlessly scan it to determine their level of glucose concentration. The RFID microchip quickly and accurately transmits the glucose data back to a wireless scanner that displays the glucose level. The RFID microchip is powered by the scanner signal, avoiding the need for a battery in the microchip.
Read more here. . .
(hat tip: Gizmodo)