National Stroke Association Views Implantable RFID Microchip such as VeriMed as a Potential Life-Saving Medical Device

DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Dec. 11  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In a letter to VeriChip Corporation, a subsidiary of Applied Digital Solutions (NASDAQ:ADSX), the National Stroke Association (NSA) has recognized that implantable RFID microchip technology offers the ability to improve stroke treatment by providing medical professionals with immediate access to vital health information of stroke-afflicted patients. An excerpt from the letter, signed by James Baranski, CEO of the National Stroke Association, states, "Personal Health Records, including implantable RFID microchips such as VeriMed, could play a critical role in assisting medical professionals in delivering appropriate stroke treatment promptly, leading to better patient outcomes."

The VeriMed Patient Identification System which consists of a handheld radio frequency identification (RFID) scanner, an implantable RFID microchip and a secure patient database, is being used to help rapidly identify and provide access to important health information on participating patients who arrive at an emergency department unconscious, delirious or unable to communicate.  This implantable RFID system is the only system of its type cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration for use in people.

The National Stroke Association is the only national organization in the United States that focuses 100% of its efforts on stroke.  Established in 1984, the NSA has become a leading national resource on stroke and the driving force behind efforts to improve stroke prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

About NSA:

National Stroke Association is the leading national non-profit organization devoting all of its efforts and resources to stroke.  NSA provides the most up-to-date information on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and support for stroke survivors and their families. For more information on NSA and our programs please contact 1-800-STROKES or visit http://www.stroke.org/.

About VeriChip Corporation:

VeriChip Corporation, headquartered in Delray Beach, Florida, develops, markets and sells radio frequency identification, or RFID, systems used to identify, locate and protect people and assets. VeriChip's goal is to become the leading provider of RFID systems for people in the healthcare industry. VeriChip sells passive RFID systems for identification purposes and active RFID systems for local-area location and identification purposes. VeriChip recently began to market its VeriMed(TM) Patient Identification System which is used to rapidly and accurately identify people who arrive in an emergency room and are unable to communicate. This system uses the first human- implantable passive RFID microchip, the implantable VeriChip(TM), cleared for medical use in October 2004 by the United States Food and Drug Administration. For more information on VeriChip, please call 1-800-970-2447, or email . Additional information can be found online at http://www.verichipcorp.com/.

About Applied Digital - "The Power of Identification Technology"

Applied Digital is the parent company of VeriChip Corporation. Applied Digital develops innovative identification and security products for consumer, commercial, and government sectors worldwide. Through Applied Digital's affiliates, the company offers unique and often proprietary products provide identification and security systems for people, animals, the food supply, government/military arena, and commercial assets. Included in this diversified product line are RFID applications, end-to-end food safety systems, GPS/Satellite communications, and telecomm and security infrastructure, positioning Applied Digital as a leader in identification technology. Applied Digital is the owner of a majority position in Digital Angel Corporation (AMEX:DOC).

Statements about Applied Digital's future expectations, including future revenues and earnings, and all other statements in this press release other than historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, and Applied Digital's actual results could differ materially from expected results. The company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequently occurring events or circumstances.

  Contact:

  Investors:
  Nick Laudico
  The Ruth Group
  646-536-7030
  

  Media:
  Jason Rando
  The Ruth Group
  646-536-7025
  

DATASOURCE: Applied Digital



CONTACT: Investors: Nick Laudico, [phone],

, or Media: Jason Rando, [phone],

, both of The Ruth Group 

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