Ever heard of RFID usage in Medical Lab Equipment?
According to Wikipedia, Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is an automatic identification method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) provides Automatic Identification of items by using radio frequency signals. After storing a serial number or other identification data on the chip connected to an antenna, user can use a reader to receive radio waves from the chip and convert the signal into digital information, which can be passed over to computers and be used of.
This technology finds its maximum usage in payment systems, access control and asset tracking. For instance, the logistics industry often uses it in making out large cargos.
Journal of the American Medical Association, suggests RFID chips could cause some medical lab equipment or devices to fail when in close contact. It is believed that the waves transmitted by RFID could interfere with certain pacemakers and defibrillators. Result from the study indicates 22 “hazardous” occurence of interference which include ventilators switching off or changing rates, syringe pumps stopping, external pacemakers malfunctioning, and kidney replacement devices shutting down.
Most equipment affected by RFID was within close contact (a foot of the RFID chips).
However RFID technology has strong potential to help healthcare providers that the study’s authors did not recommend removing or banning the RFID technology from hospitals.
The rest of the news can be read here.
RFID Chips Might Cause Medical Lab Equipment to Fail
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