Many medical devices today perform at least one function by using wireless technology to support health care delivery. In telemedicine, for example, a wireless device can enable real-time monitoring of patients from a distance. Data from a patient-worn or implanted medical device goes directly to the health care professional. The transfer of data is immediate, accelerating communication, decision time, and when necessary, intervention.

However, the stakes can get high.

What if a diabetic’s blood-glucose monitor malfunctions and sends a wrong glucose reading to a doctor because another wireless device in the clinic interfered with its signal? What if a signal is completely interrupted from a monitor that the patient depends on to transmit time-sensitive healthcare data? In such cases, the proper functioning of wireless medical devices can mean the difference—literally—between life and death.

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