A follow-up study of electromagnetic interference of cellular phones on electronic medical equipment in the emergency department.
OBJECTIVE
Considering the growing use of cellular phones and the fast appearance of new phone models, the electromagnetic interference of currently popular cellular phones on electronic medical equipment was tested.


METHODS
Three Personal Communication System cellular phones were put at different distances from multiple electronic medical devices, the interference effect was observed and the electromagnetic field strength measured with a spectrum analyser.


RESULTS
Only two small pieces of equipment, the CO2 airway adapter and the haemoglucostix meter were affected and then only when the phone was in very close proximity.


CONCLUSIONS
Compared to the results of our study in 1997 testing Global System for Mobile Communication phones, the Personal Communication System phones generated less electromagnetic interference. However a much larger scaled study and an accurate international electromagnetic interference standard are recommended before any change in the current restrictive hospital policy on mobile phone usage could be recommended.
Fung
Hin Tat
HT
A and E Department, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China. kamcw@ha.org.hk
Kam
Chak Wah
CW
Yau
Hon Hung
HH
D040421:Cell Phone; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004582:Electronics, Medical; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006747:Hospital Communication Systems; D006801:Humans