User`s guide

Preparing the Patient
2-2 Recording an ECG
Preparing the Patient
For electrode placement information, refer to the diagram on the top of your
cardiograph.
NOTE Proper patient preparation and electrode placement are the most important
elements in producing a high quality ECG trace.
Prepare the patient by performing the following steps.
1. Reassure and relax the patient. A calm and quiet patient produces the best
ECGs.
2. Make sure the electrode site is not covered by hair or clothing.
3. Gently clean and abrade the surface of the skin with dry gauze.
4. Place electrodes on patient. See the following notes regarding your type
of electrodes.
5. Attach each lead wire to the correct electrode.
6. The upper-left corner of the screen displays the electrodes that are not
placed firmly on the patient and/or the lead wires that are not attached
securely to the electrodes. (See Table 2-1.) This is an indication of “leads
off”. Correct the attachment of any lead/electrode pair that appears on the
screen.
NOTE The patient cable should be routed away from power cords and any other
electrical equipment. Failure to do so can result in AC line frequency
interference on the ECG trace.