Difficulty Getting Quality ECG Tracings? 8 Ways to Avoid it

Electrocardiograph monitoring has become extremely commonplace throughout the medical community.  So why does our monitoring system output continue to be plagued by problems relating to poor signals?  The answer to this troubling question is ARTIFACT.

Monitoring artifact is resultant of internal and external factors generally caused either by movement of the patient, stretching of the skin or poor electrode contact.  Regardless of the factors, they are all problematic, but here are some measures your office can take to eliminate it.

1. Replace faulty lead wires and patient cables

Check for damaged cables, broken connectors, and frayed wires prior to examination

2. Shaving the skin

Shave the hair at the electrode site to promote greater electrode adhesion.

3. Defatting the skin

Defatting the skin prior to electrode application also promotes greater adhesion.  Both alcohol and acetone based products are typically used.  Many of our customers have expressed that alcohol based products are preferable because they prove less irritating to the skin.

4. Removal of part of the stratum corneum

There are various methods used to remove part of the outer layer.  The most common includes the use of abraders including abrader pads or abrading gels (NuPrep by Weaver and Company) that contain mild abrasives.  Both products do the job with minimal skin damage or irritation.

5. Scratching the stratum granulosum

Abraders and abrading gels may be used to roughen the stratum granulosum.  This allows the electrode gel to penetrate the surface reducing contact impedance.

6. Check for presence of conductive gel

Check electrodes prior to use to ensure quality and quantity of gel.  Lack of electrode gel is often caused by improper storage.  Always store in original packaging until electrode will be used and avoid warm storage areas.  Electrodes are stamped with an expiration date, be sure to rotate stock to ensure freshness.  In addition there are conductive gels (Spectra 360 by Parker Labs) that are used to promote conductivity.

7. Secure all leadwires

Stress loops are used to properly stabilize leadwires.  Loops may be secured using a tape strip product but many of our customers prefer Danlee Medical’s own e-Clip.  The e-Clip offers tape adhesive qualities without discomfort from skin irritation or tape removal and leaves lead wires free of adhesive residue.

8. Examine all connections to ensure contact

Check that equipment is correctly cabled and that all connections are secure.  Most newer equipment automatically detects loose leads and will not begin recording until corrected.

Danlee carries a full-line of skin prepping products to meet all of your testing requirements.  Please contact our Customer Care Department for further assistance or visit our site (800) 433-7797.