Electromagnetic emissions from security and logistical technologies surrounding us can produce potential interference with implanted and externally-worn medical devices. EOSL's Medical Device Test Center simulates real-world exposure to identify interactions and help manufacturers improve compatibility.

 

Research Focus

The Test Center examines the interactions between medical devices and security and logistical systems, including electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems, tag deactivators, radio frequency identification (RFID) systems, and airport metal detectors. The interactions between multiple medical devices used by one patient (such as an implanted pacemaker and an external bone healing system) are also researched in the Test Center.

 

Center Capabilities

• 1278 ft2 secure laboratory
• 2 computer-controlled positioners
• 2 torso simulators
• 9 EAS systems
  • magnetic
  • acousto-magnetic
  • radio frequency
• 6 tag deactivators (includes 2 book check units)
• 5 airport metal detectors
• RFID systems
  • testing to temporarily installed systems
  • acquiring permanently installed systems
• Test procedure and protocol development
• Medical device-to-external electromagnetic environments testing
• Inter-medical device interference testing

Methodology

Medical devices are tested by simulating how people typically interact with security and logistical systems. The device is mounted in or on a torso simulator containing saline solution that simulates the electrical characteristics of body tissue and fluid. The torso simulator moves along an automated track, exposing the medical device to representative technologies. Different orientations of the device to the source emissions are used to represent the different ways people may come into contact with such fields in real-world situations.

 

A Quality, Independant Testing Facility

GTRI's Medical Device Test Center has tested more than 600 devices since its inception, including:

• pacemakers
• defibrillators
• implantable hearing devices
• drug-infusion pumps
• neurostimulators
• cardiac monitors
• glucose monitors
• ventricular assist devices
• bone-healing systems
• spine fusion stimulators

The Test Center has developed and published a standardized test protocol, available for download here. The testing of medical devices in the Test Center helps increase medical device compatibility with security and logistical system environments. Collaborative testing with medical device manufacturers helps improve device performance while meeting FDA requirements.