In just the past decade, cell phones have evolved from a luxury item reserved for an elite few to a standard personal accessory for the masses. The ubiquity of these devices has dramatically changed the landscape of interpersonal communication, benefitting virtually every industry. Unfortunately, the medical industry, particularly among hospital-based practices, still lags in the adaptation of mobile technology. All too frequent, we may be gently reminded by signs or hospital personnel to not use our cell phones in certain areas. The primary concern with these devices is possible electromagnetic interference (EMI) that would affect sensitive medical equipment. With the advancement of mobile technology and better shielding for medical equipment, this perception may change.
According to several Internet news sites, the Tan Tock Seng Hospital in Singapore recently concluded from an internal study that cell phones pose no significant risk to medical equipment. The hospital is purportedly converting its medical staff from the antiquated pagers to mobile phones. I could not find a reliable source (i.e., journal publication or hospital press release) to verify the reports, so I will not identify any sources.
There have nonetheless been other studies examining the impact of mobile phones on medical equipment. A study published last year in Anesthesia & Analgesia, for example, found that routine use of cell phones was acceptable even in critical care units. There are published specifications on how far the phone may be from a medical device, but a general guideline for a safe distance is 1 meter. I have observed wireless devices used at much closer distances to anesthesia machines without notable effect. But, I did not perform any formal or informal study, so I will not comment further on this.
- Source
- Wallin MK, Marve T, Hakansson PK. Modern wireless telecommunication technologies and their electromagnetic compatibility with life-supporting equipment. Anesth Analg 2005; 101:1393-400.
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