6.1a - ECG Testing Supplies

Before the patient comes into the room to have the ECG test performed, the technician should verify that they have all the ______ ready:

supplies

What supplies are required for the patient before the ECG test?

Alcohol pads, a disposable razor, patient gown and drape, and a basket for the patient to put items from their pockets, such as change, cell phones, and belts, because these items can cause machine interference.

Some clinics provide a ______ for the patient to store their personal items, including ______, ______, ______, or any other metal objects:

locker; cell phones; purses; belts

Supplies for the ECG machine include having a minimum of ______ electrodes, having ______ in good condition, and ensuring the ECG machine is ______:

12; lead wires; working

If the ECG machine is connected to a computer, what should be checked before starting?

Ensure there is paper for the printer (if results are to be printed).

If the ECG machine uses ______ paper, be sure there is enough paper to run several ECGs in the machine:

thermal

What should be done if the thermal paper has a colored streak running along one side of the paper?

Never begin a new ECG, as the streak indicates the roll of paper is about to run out.

What type of ECG machine do most health care providers use?

The multichannel machine.

The multichannel ECG records all ______ views simultaneously:

12

What is a portable model ECG machine, and how does it connect?

A portable model is available that can be directly attached to a computer and electronic medical record for each patient.

ECG machines come in two varieties: a ______ machine that can record the ECG manually, one lead at a time, or the machine can be switched to an ______ mode, producing a long “strip” of paper:

single-channel; automatic

What is the disadvantage of using a single-channel ECG machine?

It is time-consuming and increases the chance of error because each lead needs to be cut individually and mounted on a chart.

The leads on a multichannel machine are typically recorded on a single ______ paper or can be shown on a ______:

8.5 x 11; monitor

What is the benefit of using a three-channel ECG machine?

It does not require that the leads be cut and pasted into a chart.

What kind of paper do older models of multichannel machines require, and how do newer models differ?

Older models may require specific 8.5 x 11 ECG paper, while newer models use ordinary printer paper and save the ECG directly into the patient’s EMR.

What guidance did the U.S. government issue in 2011 regarding ECG electrodes?

A Guidance Document under the FDA (21 CRF 870.2360) to regulate ECG electrodes for safety and effectiveness.

What are some of the stricter packaging guidelines for ECG electrodes set by the FDA?

Identifying risks to health, device description, performance characteristics, and labeling requirements, including adverse tissue reactions and the risk of electrical shock.

When studying electrocardiograms, what are the two different meanings for the term "lead"?

One meaning refers to how a lead is used, packaged, and sold, while the second refers to voltage from leads connected to electrodes that produce waves on graph paper.

Leads attach to the ECG machine by a ______, which is normally ______, but the leads can be either ______ or ______:

cable; reused; disposable; reusable

What are the clips on the ECG leads called, and why are they called that?

They are called “alligator clips” because they tightly secure the lead, similar to a miniature clothespin.

How are leads attached to electrodes, and what should be considered when purchasing them?

Each lead attaches to only one electrode, and it is important to know the brand, model, and cable interface to correctly replace new leads and clips.

Electrodes can be made as ______ or ______ products, and most health care facilities today prefer the ______ product:

disposable; nondisposable; disposable

What are the requirements for nondisposable electrodes according to the FDA?

The labeling must explain handling, transport, cleaning, and biological decontamination of the electrodes.

Electrodes can be made of ______, ______, or ______ and come in various sizes:

foam; cloth; wet gel

What should be done to maintain the effectiveness of disposable electrodes?

Keep them in a sealed, airtight envelope to retain moisture, and use them as soon as possible after the package is opened.

What is the typical shelf life of sealed electrodes, and what does the FDA recommend?

Electrodes have a shelf life of approximately two years when sealed, but the FDA suggests shelf-life tests at each medical facility to ensure quality.

Leads are usually packaged in sets of ______ because one set is needed to perform the ______ ECG:

10; standard resting

If the leads and clips are reused, what must be done before they are used on the next patient?

Standard precautions for sanitizing the leads and clips need to be completed.

When ordering electrodes, why should the quantity closely match the regular usage?

If the electrode pad becomes dry, marks may appear on the ECG reading, leading to inadequate or incorrect results.

Electrodes usually come prepackaged in groups of ______ electrodes for the ______ ECG:

10; 12-lead

What is the proper storage method for electrodes?

Keep electrodes at room temperature with humidity less than 80%, in the original packaging, and in a well-ventilated area.