Mobile phones electromagnetic interference in medical environments: a review

Abstract

This paper presents a review of the effect of electromagnetic interferences of mobile phones in medical environment. The review is focussed in two areas, EMI in implantable devices like pacemakers or ICD, and EMI in medical equipment in hospital areas with life supporting equipment like intensive care units (ICU) or operating rooms (OR). The applied methodology for interference testing is different for all the analyzed studies, and the results range from 100% of interfered devices to no effect. The majority of authors recommend maintaining a safety distance both between cellular phones and medical devices. Also, it is necessary to establish clear policies for the use of mobile phones in critical areas in hospitals. Finally, it is necessary to develop a family of EMC standards for testing insitu the effects of non-medical devices inside medical facilities. This will permit medical staff to take profit from new technologies in their daily work in a safe way.