Radio ID tags can play havoc with hospital devices

Electronic interference from RFID tags could have disastrous consequences in hospitals, according to a team of Dutch researchers, switching off ventilators, reseting intravenous drips, and reprogramming pacemakers, they claim. New Scientist reports.

"As RFID and other wireless technologies stream into medicine, the chances of accidental malfunction rise. The FDA has documented at least one such incident, involving an implanted brain stimulator that caused a minor physical tremor in response to a wireless signal.

However, the Dutch researchers and other experts believe more testing and better engineering – rather than a ban or moratorium – will make for safer hospital wards."

emily | 9:21 AM | Barcode Technologies / RFID Tags / NFC |
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