Effect of Mobile Cell Phone Ringing on Function of Gamma Camera

Impact of Mobile Phone Interference on Gamma Camera Performance

INTRODUCTION

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) due to a mobile phone device has been reported to produce a detrimental effect on the function of a gamma camera system. This effect provides evidentiary support of potential bans or restrictions regarding mobile phone use within a nuclear medicine department.

METHODOLOGY

A 3G Apple iPhone 6 was tested against a thyroid phantom in four operating modes, in three positions. Testing was carried out on a Siemens E-Cam gamma camera and a GE Discovery 670 SPECT/CT gamma camera. The protocols were standardized for operation on both systems with static images obtained for assessment. The static images were arithmetically assessed by means of subtraction from a baseline image, for results of potential EMI to be determined following comparison to the baseline image.

RESULTS

Initial assessment of static images acquired provided no abnormality between modes and positions. Following the application of arithmetic processes, the inferior right lobe presented with an increased ring of activity on activation of mobile signals regardless of position when tested on the Siemens E-Cam gamma camera. When compared to the GE Discovery 670 SPECT/CT gamma camera, these results did not appear to be present. This was confirmed numerically as a statistical significant difference was noted in count differences between the Siemens E-Cam and GE Discovery (P = 0.0004).

CONCLUSION

The function of a gamma camera has the potential to be influenced by EMI produced by mobile phone devices. Further investigation is warranted employing SPECT acquisition to assess the potential for amplification of errors.

The electromagnetic interference of mobile phones on the function of a γ-camera

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study is to evaluate whether or not the electromagnetic field generated by mobile phones interferes with the function of a SPECT γ-camera during data acquisition.

METHODS

We tested the effects of 7 models of mobile phones on 1 SPECT γ-camera. The mobile phones were tested when making a call, in ringing mode, and in standby mode. The γ-camera function was assessed during data acquisition from a planar source and a point source of Tc with activities of 10 mCi and 3 mCi, respectively. A significant visual decrease in count number was considered to be electromagnetic interference (EMI).

RESULTS

The percentage of induced EMI with the γ-camera per mobile phone was in the range of 0% to 100%. The incidence of EMI was mainly observed in the first seconds of ringing and then mitigated in the following frames.

CONCLUSIONS

Mobile phones are portable sources of electromagnetic radiation, and there is interference potential with the function of SPECT γ-cameras leading to adverse effects on the quality of the acquired images.

An update on mobile phones interference with medical devices

Mobile phones' electromagnetic interference with medical devices is an important issue for the medical safety of patients who are using life-supporting medical devices. This review mainly focuses on mobile phones' interference with implanted medical devices and with medical equipment located in critical areas of hospitals. A close look at the findings reveals that mobile phones may adversely affect the functioning of medical devices, and the specific effect and the degree of interference depend on the applied technology and the separation distance. According to the studies' findings and the authors' recommendations, besides mitigating interference, using mobile phones at a reasonable distance from medical devices and developing technology standards can lead to their effective use in hospital communication systems.

Interference of mobile phones and digitally enhanced cordless telecommunications mobile phones in renal scintigraphy

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to assess the potential negative impact of cellular phones and digitally enhanced cordless telecommunication (DECT) devices on the quality of static and dynamic scintigraphy to avoid repeated testing in infant and teenage patients to protect them from unnecessary radiation exposure.

METHODS

The assessment was conducted by performing phantom measurements under real conditions. A functional renal-phantom acting as a pair of kidneys in dynamic scans was created. Data were collected using the setup of cellular phones and DECT phones placed in different positions in relation to a camera head to test the potential interference of cellular phones and DECT phones with the cameras.

RESULTS

Cellular phones reproducibly interfered with the oldest type of gamma camera, which, because of its single-head specification, is the device most often used for renal examinations. Curves indicating the renal function were considerably disrupted; cellular phones as well as DECT phones showed a disturbance concerning static acquisition.

CONCLUSIONS

Variable electromagnetic tolerance in different types of γ-cameras could be identified. Moreover, a straightforward, low-cost method of testing the susceptibility of equipment to interference caused by cellular phones and DECT phones was generated. Even though some departments use newer models of γ-cameras, which are less susceptible to electromagnetic interference, we recommend testing examination rooms to avoid any interference caused by cellular phones. The potential electromagnetic interference should be taken into account when the purchase of new sensitive medical equipment is being considered, not least because the technology of mobile communication is developing fast, which also means that different standards of wave bands will be issued in the future.