Electromagnetic evaluation of UHF-RFID Smartshelf in Healthcare Environments

Abstract

Healthcare centers are experiencing a remarkable implementation of new systems based on wireless communications technologies. The advantages of RadioFrequency IDentification (RFID) systems have led to the development of Real-Time Locating Systems (RTLS) used for identifying, monitoring and tracking objects (e.g. tracking devices, things or people and even tracking patients, biological materials and pharmaceuticals in medical centers) increasing the quality and the efficiency of healthcare. In this study, a tracking system based on short-range radio frequency, UHF-RFID, is evaluated by measuring the electric field (E-field) emitted by an RFID DYANE Smartshelf (ETSI) at a frequency range of 865–868 MHz, and a methodology based on representing the measurements on 2D contour maps is proposed. Exposure levels due to the RFID localization system were analyzed in order to verify regulations concerning the safety of patients and workers in hospital environment, who often are exposed to the electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted there. Localized EMF exposure has been found at levels which may cause electromagnetic hazards in the specific health care environment, and potentially excessive exposure to EMF emitted by UHF-RFID devices may apply to patients or bystanders. The maximum E-field values obtained were no larger than $108.64/ \text{dB}\mu\mathrm{V}/\mathrm{m}$, which meet 2020 ICNIRP recommendations and current Spanish regulation in this area, although it requires future wider studies.