Electromagnetic interference of communication devices on ECG machines.
BACKGROUND
Use of communication devices in the hospital environment remains controversial. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can affect different medical devices. Potential sources for EMI on ECG machines were systematically tested.


OBJECTIVE
Communication devices produce EMI on ECG machines. EMI impairs ECG interpretation.


METHODS
The communication devices tested were: a global system for mobile communication (GSM) receiver, a code division multiple access (CDMA) receiver, an analog phone, a wireless local area network, and an alpha-numeric pager. EMI was tested on 3 ECG machines: MAC 5000, MAC 1200, and ELI 100. The devices were tested at 2 and 1 meter, 50, 25, and 0 cm from the acquisition module. The ECGs were presented to a heterogeneous group of clinical providers, (medical students, residents, nurses, industry representatives from cardiac devices companies, and attending cardiologists) to evaluate the impact of EMI on ECG interpretation skills.


RESULTS
EMI was detected on the MAC 5000 ECG machine when activated GSM, CDMA, and analog phones were placed on top of the acquisition module. No EMI was seen on the other ECG machines or when phones were at a longer distance or deactivated. EMI was incorrectly diagnosed in 18% of the cases. EMI was confused most frequently with atrial fibrillation or flutter (52%), ventricular arrhythmias (22%), and pacemaker dysfunction (26%). Medical students (p < 0.003) and non-cardiology residents (p = 0.05) demonstrated significantly worse performance on EMI interpretation.


CONCLUSIONS
Digital and analog phones produce EMI on modern ECG machines when activated in direct contact to the acquisition module. EMI impairs ECG interpretation.
Baranchuk
Adrian
A
Arrhythmia Service, Kingston General Hospital, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada K7L 2V7. barancha@kgh.kari.net
Kang
Jaskaran
J
Shaw
Cathy
C
Campbell
Debra
D
Ribas
Sebastian
S
Hopman
Wilma M
WM
Alanazi
Haitham
H
Redfearn
Damian P
DP
Simpson
Christopher S
CS
D000328:Adult; D016477:Artifacts; D040421:Cell Phone; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D055815:Young Adult