Electromagnetic Interference with RFID Readers in Hospitals

Abstract

Radio frequency identification (RFID) applications have become popular in many areas. RFID uses wireless technology to transmit information stored within a RFID-tag to a RFID-reader. Passive RFID-tags are powered through the received signal from the reader. Therefore the reader has to transmit its request with a certain power to bridge the gap between reader and tag. In contrast to bar-code technology this technique allows communication without requiring a line of sight.

The RFID-technology is beginning to be introduced in medical environment, e.g. for patient tracking, staff location, inventory management etc. Implementation of this technology in medical environment has to guarantee the patients’ safety. However the electromagnetic field generated by the RFID-readers may interfere with medical devices.

This study evaluates the electromagnetic interference of RFID-readers with medical devices, discusses the results with respect to the safety standards and proposes a process to manage the risks associated with RFID technology in medical environment.