ECG Setup
lead placement
The ECG leads and Electrodes
The electrode stickers are placed onto standardised anatomical landmarks on the body. This helps to make comparisons of the tracings consistent if they are reviewed in the future. There are 2 main ways to set up the ECG. Either we use a standard 12 lead setup, where there are 10 electrodes attached. Or, we use three electrodes to perfrom continuous cardiac monitoring. This gives a continuous reading of one lead in real time.
12 lead ECG
Cardiac Monitoring
Where to attach the biotabs
When placing the biotabs it is a good idea to apply skin prep and shave the designated areas if your patient is excessively hairy. This will prevent artefact on your trace. One biotab should then be placed on the distal aspect of each limb. These will serve as the sites for attachment of the limb leads:
Red limb lead: connects to biotab on right arm
Yellow limb lead: connects to biotab on left arm
Green limb lead: connects to biotab on left leg
Black limb lead (earthing limb lead): connects to the biotab on the right leg
The chest biotabs can then be attached. These are labelled V1-V6 and each one should be placed in their respective anatomical landmarks. These landmarks are:
V1 - 4th intercostal space to the right of the sternum
V2 - 4th intercostal space to the left of the sternum
V3 - in between V2 and V4
V4 - 5th intercostal space mid clavicular line
V5 - Same horizontal plane as V4 but in the anterior axillary line
V6 - Same horizontal plane as V4 and V5 but in the mid axillary line
