Tablet Computers and Shunts

A recent study indicates that tablet computers may interfere with programmable shunts.  The researchers discovered the following when exposing programmable shunts to the iPad2:

• at distances between 0 and 1 cm, the settings had changed in 58 percent of the valves. 
• after exposure at distances between 1 and 2.5 cm the settings had changed in 5 percent of valves.
• after exposure at distances between 2.5 and 5 cm the settings had changed in only 1 percent of valves. 
• no changes in valve settings were identified after exposures at higher distances.
• after exposure of programmable valves to the iPad 2 without a cover, which was only tested at distances between 0 and 1 cm, the researchers found that the settings had changed in 67 percent of the valves.

The researchers concluded that the iPad2 can be used safely in individuals with programmable shunts but follow the same cautions as you would around other household objects with magnets.

Reference:   Medical Express. Tablet computers may interfere with settings on magnetically programmable shunt valves. Retrieved from the web on 6/27/2012 at http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-06-tablet-magnetically-programmable-shunt-valves.html