Philips HeartStart MRx - Improving Signal Quality; Adjusting Wave Size

Improving Signal Quality 13 12-Lead ECG
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Improving Signal Quality
Signal quality can impact ECG analysis. Refer to Table 21 for possible solutions to common ECG
quality problems.
Tab le 2 1 E CG Si g n al Pro b le m s
Adjusting Wave Size
Adjusting ECG wave size may improve signal viewability. To do this:
1 While in 12-Lead, press the Menu Select button.
2 Using the Navigation buttons, select ECG Size and press the Menu Select button.
3 Using the Navigation buttons, select the desired size value and press the Menu Select button.
The lead size is retained when you exit and then return to 12-lead functionality, without turning
off power for more than 10 seconds.
NOTE Selecting ECG wave size of either 10mm/mV ½ V or 20 mm/mV ½ V displays V leads at half of the
selection, 5 mm/mV and 10 mm/mV, respectively.
Problem Possible Causes Possible Solutions
Tremor or muscle artifact • Poor electrode placement.
• A cold patient.
• Tense, uncomfortable patient.
•Patient tremors.
• Clean the site and reapply
electrodes. Be sure the
electrodes are placed on flat,
non-muscular areas of the
body.
• Warm the patient.
• Reassure and relax the patient.
• Attach electrodes high on the
extremities, near the trunk.
Baseline wander • Patient movement
• Electrode movement. Poor
electrode contact and skin
preparation.
• Respiratory interference.
• Reassure and relax the patient.
• Be sure lead wires are not
pulling on the electrodes.
• Move electrodes away from
areas with the greatest
respiratory motion, if possible.
Power line AC Interference • Poor electrode contact. Dry or
dirty electrodes.
• Interference from poorly
grounded instrument near
patient.
• Reapply electrodes.
• Route electrode wires along
the limbs and away from other
electrical equipment.
Intermittent or jittery waveform • Poor electrode contact.
• Dry electrodes.
• Faulty lead wires
• Clean the site and reapply
electrodes.
• Apply new electrodes.
• Repair or replace faulty leads.