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Updated: Dec 15, 2025

Bridging the Bio-Electronic Interface with Biofabrication
Published on: June 6, 2012
Biohackers and Self-Made Problems: Infection of an Implanted RFID/NFC Chip: A Case Report
Alain Schiffmann1, Martin Clauss2,3, Philipp Honigmann1,4
1Hand Surgery, Kantonsspital Baselland, Liestal, Switzerland.
Case:
We describe the case of a 26-year-old man with an infected Radio-Frequency-Identification/Near Field Communication (RFID/NFC) chip in the middle finger. The RFID/NFC chip was removed, the soft tissue debrided, and a pan-sensitive staphylococcus aureus was detected by sonication of the RFID/NFC chip. The patient was postoperatively treated with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (24 hours iv, total 11 days) and an intrinsic plus splint which led to complete recovery.
Conclusion:
Modern body modifications can lead to infections which shouldn't be underestimated. Interdisciplinary treatment is a key to success.
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