Electromagnetic Characterization for UHF-RFID Fixed Reader in Smart Healthcare Environments

There has been a significant impact through the rapid expansion of smart wireless communications systems in hospitals and healthcare centers, providing location services and identification of materials, instrumentation and even patients, and promotes the increase of the quality and the efficiency of healthcare. A tracking system based on short-range radio frequency identification in UHF band, RFID, is used to locate orthopedic material. The influence of UHF-RFID in the electromagnetic environment by measuring the parameters and characteristics of the emission levels is presented in this work. The experimental results are represented through 2D contour maps, and have been compared with the recommended safety and exposure thresholds. The maximum value obtained is lower than the 129.54 dBµV/m that is established in the International Electrotechnical Commission Standard of Electromedical Devices. Evaluation of exposure levels due to the UHF-RFID localization system is provided in order to verify regulations concerning the safety of workers, patients and the general public in the healthcare environment and should be considered to assure a proper, reliable and safe usage of the RFID localization system and could help in the installation of new smart radiofrequency systems. It is relevant to quantify the risk of the continuous exposure that involves the use of this kind of technologies.