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Electromagnetic interference with infusion pumps from GSM mobile phones.

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Calcagnini G, Floris M, Censi F, Cianfanelli P, Scavino G, Bartolini P. · 2006

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Mobile phones can disrupt critical medical infusion pumps at distances up to 30 centimeters, potentially affecting life-saving medication delivery.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Italian researchers tested whether GSM mobile phones could interfere with medical infusion pumps that deliver medications to patients. They found that 6 out of 8 volumetric pumps and 1 out of 4 syringe pumps malfunctioned when exposed to phones at maximum power within 30 centimeters. This matters because pump malfunctions in hospitals could deliver incorrect medication doses to critically ill patients.

Why This Matters

This study reveals a critical safety issue that extends beyond personal health concerns to life-threatening medical equipment failures. The researchers found that mobile phones operating at maximum power could disrupt infusion pumps at distances up to 30 centimeters - roughly the length of a ruler. What makes this particularly concerning is that these pumps deliver precise medication doses to patients who often cannot afford any interruption in treatment. The power levels that caused malfunctions (50 mW at 900 MHz and 2.5 mW at 1800 MHz) are well within the range of normal phone operation, especially when phones boost power due to poor signal strength. While the study suggests that good base station coverage reduces this risk by allowing phones to operate at lower power, the reality is that hospitals often have poor cellular coverage due to their construction materials and electronic equipment.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 900 MHz - 1.80 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 900 MHz - 1.80 GHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 900 MHz and 1,800 MHz

Study Details

The aim of this study was to assess the risk of GSM phone-induced electromagnetic interference with volumetric and syringe pumps, at various distances and emitted powers.

Malfunctions were observed in 6 out of 8 volumetric pumps and in 1 out of 4 syringe pumps exposed to...

In state-of-the-art pumps, the presence of moderate-good base station coverage would significantly reduce the risk of electromagnetic interference.

Cite This Study
Calcagnini G, Floris M, Censi F, Cianfanelli P, Scavino G, Bartolini P. (2006). Electromagnetic interference with infusion pumps from GSM mobile phones. Health Phys. 90(4):357-360, 2006.
Show BibTeX
@article{g_2006_electromagnetic_interference_with_infusion_1942,
  author = {Calcagnini G and Floris M and Censi F and Cianfanelli P and Scavino G and Bartolini P.},
  title = {Electromagnetic interference with infusion pumps from GSM mobile phones.},
  year = {2006},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16538140/},
}
PubMed: 16538140

Cited By (39 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, cell phones can interfere with medical equipment. Italian researchers found that GSM phones caused malfunctions in 6 out of 8 infusion pumps when used within 30 centimeters at maximum power, potentially affecting medication delivery to patients.
Mobile phones can affect hospital equipment, particularly infusion pumps. A 2006 study showed that phones operating at 900 MHz and 1,800 MHz caused equipment failures when used close to medical devices, creating risks for patient care.
Using phones near medical devices carries risks. Research demonstrates that GSM phones can cause infusion pump malfunctions at distances up to 30 cm, though good cellular coverage reduces interference by allowing phones to operate at lower power.
Cell phone radiation in hospitals can cause medical equipment malfunctions. Studies show infusion pumps may deliver incorrect medication doses when exposed to phone signals, particularly when phones operate at maximum power within close proximity.
Phone interference can cause medication pumps to malfunction and deliver incorrect doses. Research found that 75% of volumetric pumps and 25% of syringe pumps failed when exposed to maximum-power GSM signals within 30 centimeters.