setting off the anti theft sensor in the store

hi everyone,

I just have one question! Every time I go to the store or the market and they have the anti theft sensors well, I've always seem to make them go off with my pacemaker. They go off every time I go in and out. I was wondering if that would do anything to me. If I set them off anytime would that effect my pacemaker in anyway possible. If any one can has any idea please let me know, i would really appreciate it. I have another doctors appointment on Wednesday so i'm going to ask my doctor then. But please let me know what your thoughts are. thank you!
Constance

5 Comments

anti theft sensor

by SMITTY - 2008-04-06 09:04:34

This may help answer your question, or at least help with questions for the doctor.

Anti-theft detectors used in stores and libraries operate
on the principle of generating electromagnetic interference (EMI) fields that can “sense” embedded “tags” on the merchandise being protected. It may be possible, under unique circumstances, for these same interference fields to affect the operation of an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator.

Significant effects from the interference are unlikely to
occur if you pass “normally” through the detectors because the interference fields end as soon as you walk through (or move away from) the anti-theft equipment. It is recommended that you:

1. become aware of anti-theft detectors,

2. walk through at a “normal” walking speed, and

3. do not linger close to the detection system equipment

ANTI THEFT DEVICE

by peter - 2008-04-07 03:04:44

These devices usually work by sending out a high frequency transmission. The transmitter has a circuit that monitors the power being drawn by the transmitter. The tags are a coil of wire imbedded in flat plastic. This coil is designed to have a resonant frequency which is identical to the transmitter. When someone passes through the check point the coil oscillates electrically and draws power from the transmitter. This is detected by the transmitter power monitering circuit and sets off the alarm. In certain rare circumstances a pacemaker can cause the alarm to go off. In most cases it wont.Cheers Peter

carry card

by aldeer - 2008-04-07 11:04:46

I have had the sensors go off a couple of times during the holiday season. You do feel a little different when every one turns to stare or a clerk rushes out after you. As Smitty said, just walk thru at normal speed, and don't worry because it won't hurt your pacemaker. Most young clerks don't know what you mean when you say it's a pacemaker, so just show your card if necessary (away from the door}. Be so very glad you have that life saving device... aldeer

Anti theft device

by JohnS - 2008-04-08 12:04:05

I have set off a Walmart anti theft device, and the security guard did not want (nor care) that I had a pacemaker, but he stated he was going to search me.
I even offered to show him the scar. It got really entertaining for the next few minutes after that.
I have only set off one.

I find if I walk normally about in the middle of the sensors it does not affect me, or the sensors.

As a footnote I can tell when our local gas station/ junk food store has there sensor on or off.
John S

thank you

by pmredhead - 2008-04-11 07:04:48

Hi everyone,
For the people that have written me regarding my post, i can't thank you enough for all your support. I appreciate it very much. My doctors appointment went very well. I got a check up and he said everything is fine. I met with the doctor who made the software for the st jude pacemakers, that was very exciting. I told my doctor about setting off the
anti theft sensor detectors and he was cracking up so hard. He told me that they're harmless!!! so i was really relieved about that. Well hope everyone is doing well.
God bless!

constance

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