RFID Use Helps Avoid Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Hung Cao, a graduate assistant from the University of Texas has developed a device that may be a new solution for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

The use of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) could save the lives of around 2,250 babies in US alone who succumb to sudden infant death syndrome each year.


RFID is designed to warn a parent when the baby stops breathing and the carbon-di-oxide levels rise in the body. The disorders are detected by the use of sensors that are attached to the baby's crib to measure the carbon dioxide exhaled by the baby.

The device would send signals as soon as the baby stopped breathing. RFID can work 24/7. The attached device would capture RFID tag data every five seconds and in case the breathing stops, the parents would be alerted.

If the device proves successful after testing, it will certainly revolutionize not only prevention of SIDS but many other similar conditions.
RFID in already used in the healthcare industry in some of the following areas: to monitor blood sugars in diabetics, to ensure there is no mix up in blood transfusion, to track hospital beds, to help stroke and Alzheimer's patients, to manage pharmacy supply chain and to keep tab on cadaver organs from being misused.