Electromagnetic Compatibility of Medical Devices: Effects in everyday healthcare environment

This paper presents an overview of a study in which the immunity and susceptibility of life-supporting medical equipment was evaluated by exposing the equipment to electromagnetic interference (EMI). Electromagnetic interference, in the past, has been proven to influence the activity and reliability of certain medical devices. Since there has been dramatic increase in the use of cellular phones, these electromagnetic emitting devices have become part of the environment of medical devices. In the present paper, the influence of cellular phones at various distances and proportions on a wide range of medical devices were studied. In total 136 devices were tested after being exposed to cellular phones working in different operating modes. Testing was performed in Healthcare institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Out of all 136 devices, a significant interference was detected in only one of the various defibrillators tested. Other EMI encountered in two electrocardiograms, during the tests, were negligible which proves that current medical devices are designed to operate more safely, with higher immunity and lower susceptibility. The improved designs of medical devices are results of strict electromagnetic compatibility standards to which the devices must comply.