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Dr. Sharpe EMI is an issue for instrument developers. Years ago the Mayo Clinic (Minnesota, USA) conducted a study in which they found interference occurred when cell phones were with in 1 to 1/2 meters of an instrument. Cell Phones generally generate 0.5 W of power and emit in the 900 to 900 MHz range. Generally the interference decreases with the distance of the source. Other areas of problems are cellular devices and routers that are hidden behind ceiling tiles in labs and hospital ceilings. Two way radios actually are also an issue. The generate roughly 0.5 W of power and emit in the 400 to 500 MHz range Roche's reply suggests to me that the measuring device in the system may have a shielding problem. I am sure they have conducted EMI testing yet these tests can not mimic all conditions. I dug through my files and came across the Mayo study Best to you Joe I -----Original Message----- From: Clinical biochemistry discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Sharpe, Peter Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 4:36 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: EMI Dear Colleague, We had a recent incident in which we detected a raised troponin T (0.156 ug/l) in a 49 yr women with non-specific chest pain who had attended her GP. The result was telephoned to the GP and the lady urgently attended A&E; ECG was normal and repeat Troponin T was < 0.01 ug/l. The original sample (0.156 ug/l) was re-run and found to be < 0.01 ug/l. We contacted Roche who fully investigated the incident and concluded that the possible "root cause" was likely to be EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference) from use of mobile phones in close proximity to the instrument. They also mentioned other potential causes such as "gripper dirt" and "foam on reagents". They have recommended that usage of mobile phones be restricted, particularly when troponin T is being measured. I am really shocked by the possibility of EMI and I really find it hard to believe! However, if it is possible then it would have major implications for the use of mobile phones, wireless networks etc within all laboratories. It is interesting that the Roche engineers have no difficulty in using their mobile phone in close proximity to instruments when they are servicing equipment. I would value your thoughts on this. Best wishes Peter Dr Peter Sharpe Consultant Chemical Pathologist Director of Research and Development Southern Health & Social Care Trust Ext 2657 Tel 028 38612657 Fax 028 38334582 ------ACB discussion List Information-------- This is an open discussion list for the academic and clinical community working in clinical biochemistry. Please note, archived messages are public and can be viewed via the internet. Views expressed are those of the individual and they are responsible for all message content. ACB Web Site http://www.acb.org.uk List Archives http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/ACB-CLIN-CHEM-GEN.html List Instructions (How to leave etc.) http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/ ------ACB discussion List Information-------- This is an open discussion list for the academic and clinical community working in clinical biochemistry. Please note, archived messages are public and can be viewed via the internet. Views expressed are those of the individual and they are responsible for all message content. ACB Web Site http://www.acb.org.uk List Archives http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/ACB-CLIN-CHEM-GEN.html List Instructions (How to leave etc.) http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/