An ECG machine is a valuable tool that allows doctors to quickly diagnose health problems such as tachycardia and more severe diseases such as heart attacks. Monitoring electrodes generate the readings that the machine spits out. Here is a quick insight into how ECG monitoring electrodes work, which in turn can help you know why getting the best electrodes is so important.
Electrodes Use an Electric Current to Measure a Heart’s Function
The way ECG monitoring electrodes work is by reading an electric current that passes through the body and using that information to diagnose and monitor the heart’s functioning. For the current to be generated and monitored, electrodes need to be placed across the body. The direction and placement affect the direction of the current, which will in turn affect the diagnosis.
Electrodes Must Generate a Clear Signal
The only way that an ECG can function properly is if the electrodes used provide a high-quality signal. If the signal is weak, then the current will not be strong enough to generate an accurate reading. Another risk is that noise will contaminate the signal, which will result in inaccurate readings. The electrodes moving or even a patient sweating can introduce noise.
For that reason, it’s very important that electrodes for ECG machines have good adhesives, and barriers against interference, and are proven to generate good signals. The patient’s health outcome may depend on it. When purchasing electrodes for a medical office, make sure that they have been tested.
