It’s easy to overlook something that can’t be seen. However, in hospitals, invisible electromagnetic interference (EMI) can be the difference between accurate data and dangerous errors. Today’s hospitals rely heavily on digital technology, including imaging, monitoring systems, life-support, and communication networks. As that dependency grows, so does the risk of interference between electronic devices. Just a single spike of unwanted electromagnetic energy can distort readings, interrupt transmissions, or shut down life-sustaining equipment.
EMI shielding stops disruptive electromagnetic noise so that equipment runs smoothly and patients stay protected. It’s a vital component in the design and manufacture of today’s medical devices.
EMI Shielding in Medical Equipment and Hospitals
When one system’s signals impact into another, that’s EMI. It’s typically caused by three key things:
- An emitting device: Any device that gives off energy that interferes with hospital electronics.
- A coupling path: Usually metal surfaces or wiring that conducts and transmits unwanted signals.
- A receptor: Another device that’s sensitive enough to pick up the stray signals.
When these elements mix, things can go wrong quickly. It could be a simple “hiccup” or a complete malfunction or shutdown. In healthcare electronics and medical devices, where precision and timing are critical, that’s not a risk anyone can take.
Now, consider all the devices found in hospitals that must operate seamlessly in close proximity to each other. They include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT or CAT) scanners, electromyography (EMG) systems, defibrillators, ventilators, and patient monitors, to name just a few. One thing all of them have in common is that they all rely on EMI and radio-frequency interference (RFI) shielding to perform accurately.
Shielded coatings, barriers, and gaskets are all effective ways to protect devices from electrical noise. They help reduce errors and downtime for better patient care.
Common Sources of EMI in Hospitals
With so many electronic systems running all at once, every hospital eventually has a build up of overlapping electromagnetic signals. Some of the most common sources of EMI include:
1. Wireless Communication Systems
Bluetooth, cellular networks, and Wi-Fi networks are important in any hospital’s operations. But, they continuously emit electromagnetic signals. These signals can interfere with sensitive medical devices that require clean, uninterrupted data streams. Without shielding, even slight disruptions can skew results or disrupt communications between systems.
2. MRI Machines
During imaging procedures, MRI scanners generate radiofrequency waves and strong magnetic fields. These fields are critical for diagnostic precision, but they can disrupt other electronic devices in the vicinity. To protect surrounding equipment, and the MRI itself from being impacted by neighboring interference, specialized EMI shielding and grounding systems are installed around the imaging suite.
3. Electrosurgical Tools
These essential electric tools generate energy that flows out like ripples in a pond, except the ripples are high-frequency currents that can reach other equipment in the room in the blink of an eye. Hospitals rely on shielded wiring and casings to keep electrical “noise” from clouding their readings.
4. Mobile Devices
Phones and tablets help doctors and nurses stay connected and organized. But the same signals that make them useful can also cause interference with hospital equipment. That’s why many hospitals restrict mobile devices. Still, solid EMI shielding in electronics and devices provides the strongest defense.
Reach Out to Vanguard Products for EMI Shielding Solutions
For more than 50 years, Vanguard Products has helped engineers and OEMs design, test, and produce EMI shielding that meets even the highest industry standards. Our experienced team understands the problems hospitals face with EMI shielding in the medical field. Our products help attenuate EMI and protect everything from complex circuit boards to individual tools and beyond.
Vanguard offers the expertise and quality assurance your project requires, whether you need EMI shielding gaskets, conductive extrusions, or integrated enclosure systems. Contact us today to request a consultation so we can discuss your EMI shielding needs. Discover how we can help protect your next generation of medical innovations.