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Interference to medical equipment from mobile phones
M P Robinson1, I D Flintoft, A C Marvin
1Department of Electronics, University of York, Heslington, UK.
Journal of Medical Engineering & Technology
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Mobile phones can interfere with hospital equipment. Testing showed a physiological monitor was most susceptible, but no equipment was affected by signals from a 2W phone at over one meter.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Electromagnetic Compatibility
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Hospital environments utilize sensitive electronic equipment.
- Cellular mobile phones emit electromagnetic fields that may cause interference.
- Ensuring the safety and reliability of medical devices is paramount.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential electromagnetic interference (EMI) of cellular mobile phones with hospital equipment.
- To quantify the susceptibility of various medical devices to simulated mobile phone signals.
- To determine safe operating distances between mobile phones and critical medical equipment.
Main Methods:
- Five representative hospital equipment types were selected for testing.
- Equipment was irradiated with simulated cellular phone signals at various frequencies.
- Electromagnetic field strengths were systematically increased to identify susceptibility thresholds.
Main Results:
- Two devices, an oximeter and a syringe pump, showed immunity up to 40 V m-1 electric fields.
- A physiological monitor exhibited susceptibility at electric field strengths as low as 10 V m-1.
- No tested equipment was affected by electromagnetic fields generated by a 2W mobile phone at distances greater than one meter.
Conclusions:
- While some medical equipment, like physiological monitors, can be susceptible to mobile phone interference at close range, the risk is mitigated by distance.
- Standard mobile phones (2W) are unlikely to cause interference with most hospital equipment when used over one meter away.
- Further research into device shielding and standardized testing protocols is recommended to enhance electromagnetic compatibility in healthcare settings.