Comparison of magnetic fields emitted from security screening devices with magnetic field immunity standards

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received over 90 problem reports of medical device malfunctions due to electromagnetic interference (EMI) from magnetic field emitting security devices. The FDA took action to alert users and manufacturers of medical devices and security screening devices. These malfunctions were thought to be related to the electromagnetic fields emitted from the security device and judged serious enough by the reporters (clinical users of these devices) to potentially cause patient injuries. Measurements of magnetic field emissions from security devices reveal that some security screening devices can emit magnetic fields at strengths that exceed the test levels specified in some medical device standards.