Radiofrequency identification devices (RFID) and pacemakers and ICDs in Implantable Heart Device News and Information
In a study to determine how the use of radio frequency identification devices (RFID) can cause malfunction in medical equipment, the researchers stated,
The potential for harmful electromagnetic interference (EMI) by electric anti-theft surveillance systems on implantable pacemakers and defibrillators is known … (Emphasis added.)
RFID is used in autoidentification technology for security access cards, electronic toll collection, anti-theft clips in retail clothing and products. The study was conducted because this technology is becoming more common in medical and surgical supplies and equipment such as drugs, blood, surgical sponges, endoscopic capsules and endotrachael tubes.
Since there are so many medical devices used to track and monitor medical conditions in a hospital, concerns have been raised as to whether or not these RFID interfere with the proper functioning of equipment which could result in inaccurate or misleading data, or worse, negatively impact the care or treatment of a patient.
The results, published in the June 25, 2008 Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), indicate that there was interference with medical devices commonly in use in hospitals. The results reported in the JAMA abstract said that in 123 tests for electromagnetic interference, there was an average of three sources per medical device. RFID induced 34 incidents of electromagnetic interference, of which 22 were classified as hazardous, 2 as significant and 10 as light.
In addition, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has put out important guidelines on this subject: “Medical Devices and EMI: The FDA Perspective”
Machine shops require careful examination for EMI.
Besides being important information for the general population, it is especially important for physicians and cardiologists and patients with pacemakers and ICDs (implantable cardioverter defibrillators) since it highlights the need for wearers to be aware of electromagnetic fields that exist in their environment. Exposure to electromagnetic fields can, in certain situations, cause a malfunction in the normal operation of a pacemaker or ICD. It is reported that the malfunctions are usually temporary and not severe, but the frequency of occurrence could be problematic for the patient. Sometimes the patient may experience dizziness, light-headedness, a shock or discomfort. In any event, the episode should be reported to the patient’s doctor.
Often when a pacemaker or ICD is implanted, the physician or cardiologist suggests an environmental study be conducted to ascertain if there are likely to be any harmful electromagnetic fields in the patient’s home or work environment. As well, employers sometimes request site surveys to limit the risk of the employee being harmed at work and to conform with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (also known as ADA).
For a complete survey and report outlining results and recommendations, contact EMF Testing Services at (800) 862-9655 or email info@EMFtesting.net. Visit the website EMFtesting.net for more information.
–Elaine of the EMF Testing Service Blog Team
This blogsite is dedicated to a discussion of electromagnetic fields, also called EMF, and its corollary, EMI, electromagnetic interference. The latter refers to interference with electronic devices by EMF sources.
Tissue heating is the most widely accepted mechanism of microwave radiation with biological systems. The effect can result from elevations of tissue temperature induced by RF energy deposited or absorbed in biological systems through local, partial-body or whole-body exposures.
There are various epidemiological studies demonstrating varying results, especially with regard to inducing cancer. The potential health effects of the very low frequency EMFs surrounding power lines and electrical devices are the subject of on-going research and a significant amount of public debate.
EMI or electromagnetic interference results in signals to electronic devices that may interfere with their proper functioning, such as with pacemakers or defibrillators. This can be a significant issue in the workplace. Some device manufacturers have their own published standards for EMI, such as Boston Scientific CRM and Medtronic CRDM.
Stuart Bagley, MS CIH CSP
EMFTESTING.net
