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Embedded RFID Microchips

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Microchips | Scanners/Readers | How To Buy | FAQs

1. What is a microchip?
The microchip is a tiny computer chip that has an identification number programmed into it and is encapsulated within a biocompatible material. The device is small enough to fit inside a hypodermic needle and can be simply injected under the skin of the animal, where it will stay for the life of the animal. This provides a permanent, positive identification that cannot be lost, altered or intentionally removed.

2. How does the microchip work?
The computer memory in the microchip contains a unique number - no two animals will ever have the same number. A radio signal is used to read this number through the skin of the animal. In addition to the number, the microchip generates a reliability check to guarantee that the animal’s identifying number is read accurately. This all takes place in less than 0.04 seconds. Think of the microchip and scanner as a radio station and receiver. The scanner sends out harmless radio waves that excite the small radio station in the microchip to send back the unique identification code it contains.

3. How long does the microchip last?
Once injected under the skin of the animal, the microchip is encased by a thin layer of protein that anchors it in place for life of the animal. It does not pass through or out of the body. The microchip itself has no power supply to replace or moving parts to wear down. Therefore it can be expected to last for decades - well beyond the lifespan of most animals.

4. What is the youngest age an animal can be identified?
Animals of any age can be injected with the microchip. Age does not matter. Any animal two inches (five centimetres) in size or greater can be microchipped. Birds, horses, and exotics can be identified at any time.

5. Does the animal have to be sedated for the injection?
No. Injecting the microchip is just like any other injection or vaccination. Anaesthesia is not required or recommended since there is minimal discomfort with the procedure. The animal should be gently restrained in the same fashion as for a routine injection. Microchips should not be placed in the skin or muscle.

6. How much preparation of the injection site is required?
A complete surgical preparation is not required. You will be responsible for the correct site preparation procedure and assure aseptic handling of the pre-packaged sterile microchip.

7. Is there a standard scanning technique?
Yes. Due to the nature of the technology, there is a slight directional component to the manner in which the transponder transmits its code. Holding the trigger in the “on” position, scanning is best done with the reader in slight contact with the animal’s skin or fur. It is recommended that scanning be done slowly, with small circles down the midline in a vertical direction and back up the midline. The procedure is repeated up and down four times. If no chip is detected, the animal is then scanned horizontally, from the shoulder on the other side, beginning at the nape of the neck and continuing down the animal to behind the rib cage.

8. Could an animal be allergic to the microchip?
The microchip is inert and biocompatible. There is virtually no chance of the body developing an allergy or trying to reject the microchip after being properly injected.

9. How is a microchip placed within an animal?
The microchip is injected much like a hypodermic needle and is therefore no different than the process of having an animal vaccinated. This procedure is simple, quick and causes minimal discomfort to the animal.

10. What keeps the microchip in the animal and in place where it is implanted?
Just seconds after the implant procedure, the body’s normal healing process takes over. A small clot of blood forms around the surface of the microchip, holding it in place almost immediately. Within a few days, the injection wound heals completely and the initial clot is replaced by a small layer of connective tissue, keeping the microchip in place.

11. Are microchips safe?
Microchips are produced of biologically inert materials and individually sterilized and packaged, so they do not cause a tissue reaction and have therefore been found to be extremely safe both in the short and long term. The main component in a microchip is silicon, the same compound found in sand and glass. There is no radio activity, no battery, and no other material harmful to an animal. The microchip itself is sealed in biocompatible glass so that the only thing in contact with the tissue of the animal is the glass.

12. How many different types of embedded microchips does Advanced ID carry?
Two. We carry sterile and non-sterile microchips. Sterile microchips come pre-sterilized in an individual all-in-one unit with the microchip, needle and syringe. Non-sterile microchips come in a lot of 25 bulk microchips in a small plastic container that require a needle and syringe to implant. Please call us for current pricing.

13. How many animals have received microchip transponders?
No exact figures for total numbers are available for the entire industry, but estimates currently indicate that the umber is in excess of one billion worldwide.

14. How can I purchase microchips and scanners?
Please call our office to place an order (please see section “How to Buy” for more information) or you may contact the distributor of our product, Canadian Livestock Records Corporation (CLRC) at www.clrc.ca.