Hospitals Look at Microchips for Baby Tracking, Records
Radio frequency identification chips that keep track of pets and library books are being used in a whole new way.
A growing number of hospitals are using baby trackers called "baby Lo-Jack."
From the very first few seconds of life, a newborn is the focus of attention.
During the following days, a parade of doctors, nurses and well-wishers will touch and hold a newborn. The last thing anyone wants is someone taking away this precious gift.
"I don't even want to imagine it. It's terrifying," said one nurse.
Another nurse said, "We are always checking, checking, checking on the babies."
Infant abduction is not a crime that happens very often, but it is something every parent and hospital should be prepared for.
One hospital administrator said, "There have been some abductions and that's why we have what we call baby Lo-Jack."
Baby Lo-Jack is actually known as the HUGS Security System, which uses radio frequency microchips to keep track of newborns and children during their stay in the hospital.
Local hospitals with the system were reluctant to talk to 10News, citing security reasons.
However, at John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Indio, some hospital staff members said they see the system as a deterrent and want to get the word out.
"As soon as the baby is bathed we put (the device) on," said nurse Stacey Seit.
The HUGS tag placed on an infant's ankle or wrist contains a microchip and an antenna.
"If anybody tries to get past this door here, in this hallway, the alarm goes off. The baby can't get past it," said Seit.
Exit points throughout the hospital are electronically monitored.
10News ran an experiment that showed how quickly nurses and security personnel reacted when the tag makes its way past certain doors.
"It's a nice comfort for me as a parent to know that my baby's safe," said new mom Jennifer Estrada.
Estrada said she felt secure that her newborn daughter, Aleena, was being protected from the very start.
There have been more than 200 infant abductions in the U.S. over the last 22 years.
Half of the abductions occurred in health care facilities.
Now, some hospitals have been looking at radio identification tags that could be implanted under the skin of some patients.
By implanting such a chip with a patient's medical record, hospitals and emergency workers could immediately gain access to an ill or injured person's medical history regardless of location.
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