ECG Setup
Machine components
Components of the ECG machine
To set up the ECG machine properly you will need to understand its basic components. There are several different types of ECG machine and so the setup may vary slightly from model to model, but the main principles still stand.
ECG machine
Wireless acquisition module
(WAM)
Patients' details should be added to the ECG machine data before starting. The machine usually acts as a viewing monitor so that you can check the trace for artefact before printing the ECG.
Most modern machines are wireless, and receive signals from a WAM which is connected to the patient. Older machines will attach directly to the ECG leads.
The role of the WAM is to wirelessly transmit the electrical signals from the ECG leads to the main hub on the ECG machine.
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ECG Leads
ECG leads clip on to biotabs or electrodes that are stuck on to the patient's chest. There are 10 physical leads in total - four limb leads and 6 chest leads
ECG Connector Clips
Different ECG machine models / leads will use different ECG connectors. These crocodile clips are an alternative to the button connectors shown in the above image. They connect to ECG biotabs
Biotabs are the most common type of electrode that sticks on to a patient's chest. The leads then clip on to the biotabs and measure voltage changes within the heart
Biotabs
Aletrnative Electrode Stickers
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