Use Instructions

iSE Series Electrocardiograph User Manual Preparing the Patient
Chapter 3 Preparing the Patient
3.1 Instructing the Patient
Before attaching the electrodes, greet the patient and explain the procedure. Explaining
the procedure decreases the patient’s anxiety. Reassure the patient that the procedure is
painless. Privacy is important for relaxation. When possible, prepare the patient in a quiet
room or area where others can’t see the patient. Make sure that the patient is comfortable.
The more relaxed the patient is, the less the ECG will be affected by noise.
3.2 Preparing the Skin
Thorough skin preparation is very important. The skin is a poor conductor of electricity
and frequently creates artifacts that distort the ECG signals. By performing methodical
skin preparation, you can greatly reduce the possibility of noise caused by muscle tremor
and baseline wander, ensuring high-quality ECG waves. There is natural resistance on
the skin surface due to dry, dead epidermal cells, oils and dirt.
To prepare the skin
1. Shave hair from electrode sites, if necessary. Excessive hair prevents a good
connection.
2. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.
3. Dry the skin to increase capillary blood flow and to remove the dead, dry skin cells
and oils.
NOTE: Rub the skin with a gauze pad to increase capillary blood flow if you don’t have
enough time for the steps above.
3.3 Attaching Electrodes to the Patient
WARNING
Make sure that all electrodes are connected to the patient correctly before operation.
Ensure that the conductive parts of electrodes and associated connectors, including
neutral electrodes, do not come in contact with earth or any other conducting objects.
Electrode Placement
The electrodes' positions on the body surface are shown in the following table and figure.
Figure 13 Standard 12 lead placement
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