A means of tagging and keeping track of disaster victims using wireless microchips was unveiled Tuesday at a forensics conference in Seattle.
VeriChip introduced the VeriTrace system, which was developed from the initial use of the technology in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to compile data on remains recovered from the flood waters and wreckage.
VeriTrace includes an implant microchip, a digital camera made by Ricoh and access to a Web-enabled database. The chips that are attached to the remains upon recovery contain a unique identification number that can be read by the camera via Bluetooth technology and immediately opens a data file containing an image and whatever information is available about the deceased.
The system is also seen as playing a role in smaller casualty incidents and even at crime scenes to assist in the cataloging of evidence.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International
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