Choosing the right ECG electrode
When it comes to monitoring patients’ cardiac rhythm, there are several settings which require the use of a type of ECG electrode. Below are some of the more common uses for ECG electrodes:
- Resting ECG
- Exercise Stress Test
- Holter, Event, Hospital Stay Monitor (Short or Long Term)
- Radiolucent Monitoring
If the incorrect ECG electrode is selected for a particular test type, then a practitioner may be challenged with achieving quality results of their patient’s cardiac rhythm. We will take you through our ECG electrode range, by Indian manufacturer Medico International Electrodes Limited, outlining which electrodes would suit a particular exam. These electrodes are compatible with all cardiac monitoring devices, so follow along as we take you through the range and which options would best fit for your testing environment.
Skin Preparation and Electrode Storage
Before we take you through the Medico Electrode range, we must talk about patient preparation. Skin preparation is an essential part of the monitoring process to achieve a quality trace of your patient’s cardiac rhythm.
- Prepare the skin
- Wash with soapy water
- Dry the skin
- Remove obstructions which mitigate adhesion
- Hair (minimal or excessive)
- Clothing
- Stick the electrodes to the patient’s skin
As part of the preparation, please remember to utilise electrodes which are still within the used by dates as per the manufacturer’s packaging instructions. To find this used by date on Medico ECG electrodes, use the below image for your reference:
Once you have opened your packet of Medico ECG electrodes, as per the attached IFU, you have up to 30 days to utilise the electrodes if properly stored. If you have not used your electrodes for longer than 30 days, you will need to dispose of these
Resting ECG Electrodes
To conduct a Resting ECG, with Medico ECG electrodes, a practitioner has several choices.
3426MED - Medico Resting TAB ECG Electrode
The most conventional and cost-effective way to conduct a resting ECG utilises the 3426MED (TAB style) electrode. To utilise this electrode, you will require a secondary accessory, Alligator clip, to connect the AHA plug style cable to the electrode – see image below. These electrodes are utilised for short term monitoring.
The 3426MED is diverse. Hypoallegenic, radiolucent, DEHP free, enhanced adhesive solid gel, agnostic to all ECG devices, and leaving no residual residue post exam. The 3426MED come on strips of 10, making it an excellent and cost-effective choice for any ECG setting. The 3426MED enables quick and efficient removal once the exam has been completed. Simply pull by the Tab, you can effectively remove this from the patient with no leftover residue.
64M - Medico Resting Banana ECG Electrode Wet Gel
This electrode connects directly from ECG AHA plug lead to the patient, removing the need for alligator clips. The 64M utilises enhanced, medical grade wet gel, which has a higher conductivity for resting ECG procedures. Simply pushing the AHA plug lead through the 4mm adaptor plug, will connect the patient and the device – see below image.
The 64M is a hypoallergenic, soft, conformable foam backed electrode which is DEHP, PVC and latex free. Whilst not as cost-effective as the 3426MED, the 64M is suitable for ECG use with any 4mm plug AHA lead supplied with ECG devices. Simply pull by the quick release Tab, you can effectively remove this from the patient with minimal leftover residue.
Exercise Stress Test
08G
This centre stud foam backed, solid gel electrode, Is a commonly utilised electrode style for Cardiac Stress Testing. The 08G has been manufactured with enhanced acrylic copolymer foam, useful in difficult adhesion conditions that occur in patient monitoring where excessive moisture may be a problem.
Designed and packaged on strips of 5 pieces, ideal for connecting leads to the electrode before patient application. The 08G is a great, and extremely cost-effective option (when comparing to offset style electrodes), for Exercise Stress Testing. Simply pull by the Tab, you can effectively remove this from the patient with no leftover residue.
Holter Monitoring
For Holter Monitoring, a practitioner wants to select a reliable and adhesive electrode which can last multiple days on a patient and provides the most comfort for long use. The 15DC, is an excellent choice for Holter Monitoring. Manufactured using non-woven cloth, enhanced and hypoallergenic adhesive, large surface area. Enabling the 15DC to adapt to the patient’s body contours with increased comfort.
Packaged in 60 individually backed pieces, making this electrode suitable for Holter Monitors boasting 2,3,5,7, or 10 leads. Simply pull by the Tab, you can effectively remove this from the patient with no leftover residue.
Radiolucent Monitoring
When monitoring a patient concurrently during a procedure utilising X-Ray or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), a technician would require the use of a radiolucent electrode. Enabling un-obstructed views of diagnostic images, whilst simultaneously monitoring a patient’s cardiac rhythm.
Medico offers 2 options for Radiolucent electrodes for these settings. The 08GRT and 3426MED. For short term Radiolucent monitoring, the most cost-effective option is the 3426MED. For long term Radiolucent monitoring, the 08GRT is your best option.
If you would like to discuss this product range further, please contact us at 1300 938 637 and ask to speak with our specialist, to find out which electrodes would be the best fit for your ECG electrode purposes.