Posted By David P. Johnson I am advised by my uncle (a Chartered Radiographer) that the electrical/magnetic/radiation fields emitted by devices such as phones can adversely effect such equipment as MRI scanners. If you put your mobile next to a TV and then call it, you will see the effect it has on the TV. It is aparently magnified in seriousness with the amount of power most medical equipment has. E&OE (third party answer!)

Posted By Lance Morgan Guidance has been issued on this by the MHRA sometime ago and more recently. The guidance has imo been somewhat inconclusive and contradictory on occasions although there is no doubt they can cause problems when used in close proximity to sensitive life support equipment. On one site the fire alarm was vulnerable and caused numerous false alarms. We still operate a blanket ban in our Trust (supposedly) but it is virtually impossible to enforce with staff, patients and visitors using mobiles despite the signage etc. In sensitive areas like operating rooms, ICU etc the ban is still rigidly enforced.

Posted By Frank Hallett Hi Jonathon. In many cases, the ban on mobiles has little to do with the obvious safety issues - for instance,the ban on the use of mobiles on petrol forecourts because of a percieved fire risk is substantially lower than the fire risk created by the vehicles electrics of alternator, starter motor and conventional ignition systems. However, almost all mobile phones are capable of disrupting unshielded electronic information; and computers of any sort, which are playing a greater part in many life-support systems - are particularly vulnerable. Incidentally, many hospitals use extensive internal radio systems; and whilst not in quite the same frequency band as mobile phones, exhibit the same potential for disrupting unshielded cables and equipment. It seems entirely viable to consider extending the shielding provided for the radios into the mobile phone spectrum and thus minimising the consequences of the odd forgetful or awkward visitor. As for things like iPods, CD & DVD players etc; the real question is - do they emit any form of electromagnetic radiation that could interfere with my safety critical electronic equipment? For this, you must ask each manufacturer the same question and then impose a relevant ban on offending items. My imitial position would be that all must be turned off until proven safe. Have a nice weekend y'awl. Frank Hallett

Posted By John Murgatroyd ri JL, Hayes DL, Smith TT, Severson RP. Cellular phone interference with external cardiopulmonary monitoring devices. Mayo Clin Proc 2001;76:11-5. http://www.mhra.gov.uk/h...e=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=261