Gartner: Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)

Radiofrequency identification (RFID) is a technology that uses radiated and reflected radiofrequency waves for identifying and tracking different objects. It usually consists of a reader and a transponder (or tag). An RFID reader contains an RF transmitter, one or more antennas and an RF receiver for identifying the person or object with an RFID tag (which is simply a uniquely identified IC with an antenna). A transponder with an RFID tag can be any object, person, or pet. It can be understood from several feet away and does not need to be within direct line-of-sight of the reader. RFID in healthcare plays an important role in avoiding the mistreatments due to the improper identification of the patient or the drug administered to the patient.