NCJ Number
226905
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 54 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2009 Pages: 664-668
Date Published
May 2009
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study categorizes the scanning patterns of radio-frequency identification (RFID)-tags within dental prostheses both in vitro and in vivo in order to provide data for patients in the context of the consent process and for forensic dentists in order to ensure that they are scanning prostheses optimally.
Abstract
RFID-tags within dental prostheses have been suggested as a means of labeling such devices and permitting rapid and reliable identification of the wearer. The antenna enables the chip to transmit identification information to a reader. The reader converts the radio waves reflected back from the RFID-tag into digital information that can then be passed on to a computer that contains relevant software. Regarding the issue of personal security, a fear of both civil liberties groups and some in the general public is that anyone can read remotely a passive RFID-tag without the wearer’s knowledge. There is a need for a quantitative assessment of the scanning range of a typical RFID-tag, in order to determine whether this perception is justified. The in vitro test found a maximum read-out distance of 3 cm; with a minimum read-out distance of 1-2 mm. Results of the in vivo test show a reduced maximum scanning range of approximately 1-1.5 cm. No difference in the maximum scanning range could be determined between upper (encased in denture base resin) and lower baseplates. The findings indicate a need for authorities to agree upon a unified standard for chip and reader specifications and protocols in order to avoid cases in which RFID-tags may fail to be read by an incompatible reader. It is also reasonable to conclude that further empirical studies are required regarding incentives for postmortem assaults on RFID-tags in dental appliances in order to prevent victim identification. 2 figures and 29 references