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RFID devices may harm medical equipment
In a study published in the June 25 issue of the *Journal of the American Medical Association* (JAMA), researchers have raised concerns about the potential risks of radio frequency identification (RFID) devices interfering with critical medical equipment. The findings suggest that RFID technology, widely used in everyday applications like electronic toll systems and anti-theft tags, could pose serious threats to life-supporting medical devices.
RFID technology has been increasingly adopted in healthcare for improving patient safety and tracking medical supplies. From drug packaging that prevents counterfeiting to temperature-sensitive tags used in blood storage, the benefits are clear. However, as these devices become smaller and more affordable, they are being integrated into surgical tools, endoscopic capsules, and even intubation tubes—raising new questions about their safety in clinical settings.
The study, led by Remko van der Togt from the Free University of Amsterdam, examined the impact of RFID on 41 different medical devices from 17 categories and 22 manufacturers. These included ventilators, infusion pumps, defibrillators, and pacemakers. Researchers tested both active RFID tags (which have their own power source) and passive ones (which rely on readers to activate them).
Over 123 tests were conducted, and 34 electromagnetic interference (EMI) incidents were identified. Out of these, 22 were classified as hazardous, 2 as significant, and 10 as minor. Notably, passive RFID systems caused more adverse events, with 63% of EMI tests showing some form of disruption.
Hazardous effects included complete shutdowns of mechanical ventilators, syringe pumps, and renal replacement devices, as well as disruptions in external pacemaker functions and electrocardiogram readings. The average distance at which these events occurred was 11.8 inches, with hazardous incidents happening within 9.8 inches of the RFID reader.
Despite the growing use of RFID in healthcare, there is still no standardized approach for its integration. This lack of regulation means that RFID systems designed for other industries are now being used in medical environments without proper safeguards. While RFID offers efficiency in supply chain management, its presence in intensive care units requires careful evaluation to avoid compromising patient safety.
Experts recommend that, alongside updating international standards, hospitals should conduct on-site EMI testing before implementing RFID in critical care areas. As the use of wireless technologies expands in medicine, ensuring their compatibility with essential medical equipment will be crucial for patient safety.