Discrepancy between claimed field flux density of some commercially available magnets and actual gaussmeter measurements

Context . Magnets are widely used by the public in medical applications. Objectives . To determine whether the field flux density, a measurement of magnetic dosage, provided hy over-the-counter magnet manufacturers is accur ate. Design is Five magnets were tested for field flux density, and measurements were compared with information provided by manufacturers. Results . Magnets studied showed actual field flux density measurements tha t were significantly lower than the values claimed hy suppliers. Conclusions. Over-the-counter magnet suppliers are not providing reliable i nformation; therefore, clinical replication of published reports is difficu lt.