Radiofrequency identification and medical devices: the regulatory framework on electromagnetic compatibility. Part I: medical devices

Abstract

Radiofrequency identification (RFID) technology has acheived significant success and has penetrated into various areas of healthcare. Several RFID-based applications are used in various modalities with the ultimate aim of improving patient care. When a wireless technology is used in a healthcare environment, attention must be paid to the potential risks deriving from its use; one of the most important being electromagnetic interference with medical devices. In this paper, the regulatory framework concerning the electromagnetic compatibility between RFID and medical devices is analyzed to understand whether and how the application of the current standards allows for the effective control of the risks of electromagnetic interference.

Keywords::

• electromagnetic
• interferencemedical device
• radiofrequency identification

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript