Ad hoc test protocols for determination of electromagnetic interference caused by cell phones on electro-medical devices

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can cause malfunctions on electro-medical devices, and it is a difficult task to determine it. EMI can be caused by RF mobile transceivers like cell phones. Clinical engineers can perform ad hoc EMI test protocols to determine EMI caused by cell phones on electro-medical devices. In this paper, four ad hoc EMI test protocols are introduced (Mayo Clinic, ANSI, MDA and JHH) and their common characteristics are compared. Particular characteristics are discussed too. The comparison can help clinical engineers to choose the ad hoc EMI test protocol that better fills his hospital needs.