Journal of Critical Care
Volume 21, Issue 3 , Pages 267-270, September 2006

Electromagnetic interference in critical care

  • Stephen E. Lapinsky, MB, BCh, MSc, FRCPC

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada M5G1X5. Tel.: +1 416 586 4800x3211; fax: +1 416 586 8480.
    • ,
  • Anthony C. Easty, BSc (Hons), PhD

Intensive Care Unit, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada M5G1X5

Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada M5G1X5

Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada M5B 1W8

Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada M5S 3G9

Abstract 

Mobile communication and wireless data transmission are playing an increasing role in health care. Reports describing medical device malfunction related to cellular phones have raised awareness about the problem of electromagnetic interference. Although initial institutional responses were to ban cellular devices in hospitals, these restrictions are relaxing as the knowledge base in this area expands. Medical device malfunction is extremely rare if the distance from the transmitting device is greater than 1 m. This article reviews the current understanding of electromagnetic interference as it applies to the technology-rich critical care environment.

Keywords: Critical care, Electromagnetic interference, Mobile communication

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PII: S0883-9441(06)00049-9

doi:10.1016/j.jcrc.2006.03.010

Journal of Critical Care
Volume 21, Issue 3 , Pages 267-270, September 2006

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