Interference with the operation of medical devices resulting from the use of radio frequency identification technology.

AIM

To replicate electromagnetic interference (EMI) with a common drug infusion device resulting from the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in a simulated operating theatre environment.

METHOD

An infusion pump, of a type previously reported as having failed due to RFID EMI, was placed in radio frequency (RF) fields of various strengths, and its operation observed. Different strength RF fields were created by varying the number of RFID readers, the use of a high-gain RFID antenna, the distance between the reader(s) and the infusion pump, and the presence of an RFID tag on the infusion pump.

RESULTS

The infusion pump was not affected by low-power RFID readers, even when in direct contact. The pump was disrupted by a high-power reader at 10 cm distance when an RFID tag was attached, and by a combination of high-power and low-power readers at 10 cm distance.

CONCLUSIONS

Electronic medical devices may fail in the presence of high-power RFID readers, especially if the device is tagged. However, low-power RFID readers appear to be safer.