PositiveID (formerly VeriChip) is a developer of biological detection systems for the defense industry of America and developer of rapid medical testing technology. He is best known for developing the only human-implantable microchip approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the same name (formerly VeriChip). The PositiveID chip received FDA approval from the United States in 2004. In 2010, its manufacturing and marketing was halted until further notice.
About twice the length of a dime, the device is typically implanted between the shoulder and the elbow area of an individual's right arm. Once scanned at the proper frequency, PositiveID responds with a unique 16-digit number that could be linked to user information that is maintained in a database for identity verification, access to medical records and other uses. The insertion procedure is done under local anesthesia in a doctor's office. As an implanted device used for identification by a third party, it had generated controversy and debate. The VeriChip merger in 2010 officially changed its name to "PositiveID". Destron Fearing, a subsidiary of Digital Angel, initially developed the technology for PositiveID.
PositiveID, formerly known as VeriChip Corporation, was formed in 2009 through the merger of VeriChip and Steel Vault Corporation. At the time of the merger in November 2009, the company changed its name to PositiveID Corporation.
PositiveID acquired in May of 2011 Micro Fluidic Systems (MFS), based in California, founded in 2001, specialized in the development and production of automated instruments to detect and process biological samples. MFS core technology is used for airborne pathogens detection, rapid clinical diagnostics, and sample preparation applications.