Dutch researchers have discovered that radio-frequency devices, which are increasingly being used in British hospitals, could accidentally switch off life-saving systems.
The Radio Frequency Identification Devices, or RFIDs, are used to track patients and locate equipment. For example, some hospitals tag anaesthetised patients with an RFID wristband on their way to the operating theatre, hoping that the surgeon’s PDA will beep before he amputates the wrong patient’s leg.
Some RFIDs are also brought in by patients – such as London Transport’s Oystercard, or tags on freshly-stolen clothing.
However, out of 123 tests conducted at Vrije University, 34 showed the devices having an effect on nearby medical equipment. 24 results were deemed to be “significant” or “hazardous”. In some tests, the electromagnetic interference from RFIDs switched off or altered the settings on ventilators, stopped syringe pumps and dialysis machines and caused malfunctions in external pacemakers.
NHS computer specialists, however, said that RFIDs could eventually make patients safer.
“Then again, the NfIT computer system is massively over-budget, years behind schedule, and still doesn’t work properly,” he added, “So perhaps you shouldn’t set too much store by our expert analysis.”
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