A new study in JAMA has found that RFID technology can pose serious, and potentially fatal, risks to patients. In 123 tests performed, 30% produced electromagnetic glitches. Even more concerning, in nearly 20% of the tests, there were serious and hazardous malfunctions that would result in patient harm.
From the study, distance appears to be a significant factor. Most of the interactions were within just a few feet. However, potentially serious events were found over 20 feet.
Wireless radiofrequency identification systems have long been hailed as a panacea for the healthcare system to reduce costs and minimize medical errors. It looks like the promise of RFID technology remains a bit further off.
