Assessment of Electromagnetic Compatibility of Medical Electronic Devices in Selected Tertiary Hospitals in Enugu State

Background: Electromagnetic interference between co-located medical electronic devices in Nigerian hospitals can compromise diagnostic accuracy and patient safety. Electromagnetic compatibility assessment is rarely conducted in Nigerian healthcare settings. Aim: This study assessed electromagnetic compatibility of medical electronic devices in selected tertiary hospitals in Enugu State, South East Nigeria. Methods: Radiated emission measurements were conducted on 30 medical devices across five equipment categories using a calibrated EMC test receiver and biconical antenna in accordance with CISPR 11 methodology. Susceptibility of critical devices to interference from mobile phones, infusion pumps, and physiological monitors was evaluated. Results: Twenty-three percent of tested devices exceeded CISPR 11 Class B emission limits. Infusion pumps and patient monitoring systems were most susceptible to interference from mobile phones operating within 1.5 metres. Eight documented incidents of monitor data corruption were attributed to GSM interference. Conclusion: EMC compliance gaps in Nigerian hospital medical devices represent patient safety risks. The study recommends mandatory EMC testing for medical device procurement, mobile phone use restrictions in critical care areas, and EMC shielding retrofitting for highest-risk devices. Keywords: electromagnetic compatibility, medical devices, hospitals, Enugu, CISPR.