Radio-frequency identification (RFID) uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify

and track tags attached to objects. The tags contain electronically-stored information. Passive
tags collect energy from a nearby RFID reader's interrogating radio waves. Active tags have a
local power source (such as a battery) and may operate hundreds of meters from the RFID
reader. Unlike a barcode, the tag need not be within the line of sight of the reader, so it may be
embedded in the tracked object. RFID is one method for Automatic Identification and Data
Capture (AIDC).[1]

RFID tags are used in many industries, for example, an RFID tag attached to an automobile
during production can be used to track its progress through the assembly line; RFID-tagged
pharmaceuticals can be tracked through warehouses; and implanting RFID microchips in
livestock and pets allows for positive identification of animals.

Since RFID tags can be attached to cash, clothing, and possessions, or implanted in animals and
people, the possibility of reading personally-linked information without consent has raised
serious privacy concerns.[2] These concerns resulted in standard specifications development
addressing privacy and security issues. ISO/IEC 18000 and ISO/IEC 29167 use on-chip
cryptography methods for untraceability, tag and reader authentication, and over-the-air privacy.
ISO/IEC 20248 specifies a digital signature data structure for RFID and barcodes providing data,
source and read method authenticity. This work is done within ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31 Automatic
identification and data capture techniques. Tags can also be used in shops to expedite checkout,
and to prevent theft by customers and employees.

[3]

Description

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) refers to a wireless system comprised of two

components: tags and readers. The reader is a device that has one or more antennas that emit
radio waves and receive signals back from the RFID tag. Tags, which use radio waves to
communicate their identity and other information to nearby readers, can be passive or active.
Passive RFID tags are powered by the reader and do not have a battery. Active RFID tags are
powered by batteries.

RFID tags can store a range of information from one serial number to several pages of data.
Readers can be mobile so that they can be carried by hand, or they can be mounted on a post or
overhead. Reader systems can also be built into the architecture of a cabinet, room, or building.
Uses

RFID systems use radio waves at several different frequencies to transfer data. In health care and
hospital settings, RFID technologies include the following applications:

 Inventory control
 Equipment tracking
 Out-of-bed detection and fall detection
 Personnel tracking
 Ensuring that patients receive the correct medications and medical devices
 Preventing the distribution of counterfeit drugs and medical devices
 Monitoring patients
 Providing data for electronic medical records systems

The FDA is not aware of any adverse events associated with RFID. However, there is concern
about the potential hazard of electromagnetic interference (EMI) to electronic medical devices
from radio frequency transmitters like RFID. EMI is a degradation of the performance of
equipment or systems (such as medical devices) caused by an electromagnetic disturbance.