Georgia Tech to develop RFID testing protocols for medical devices

RFID technology has taken off in healthcare in the last couple of years, but apparently there are no standard protocols to test for potential electromagnetic interference from RFID tags and infrastructure that could affect the operation of sensitive medical devices. The Georgia Tech Research Institute is working to develop such protocols for healthcare environments.

With the help of trade association AIM Global and device testing firm MET Laboratories, Georgia Tech researchers will examine the effects of RFID systems on implantable and wearable medical devices, including pacemakers, infusion pumps, defibrillators and heart monitors.  

"A comprehensive set of test protocols, which are sufficiently precise to permit repeatable results, is required to understand if there is an interaction between various types of RFID systems and active implantable medical devices, electronic medical equipment, in vitro diagnostic equipment and biologics," Craig K. Harmon, chairman of the RFID Experts Group of trade association AIM Global, explains, according to Health Imaging & IT magazine. "Only after the protocols are developed will we be able to investigate the cause of any interactions, the result of any interactions, and ways manufacturers might eliminate or mitigate interactions," Harmon adds.

For more details on this RFID testing program:
- check out this Health Imaging & IT story

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