Troubleshooting Cardiograph Issues Troubleshooting
PageWriter TC 70 Cardiograph Service Manual 3-7
Signal Acquisition Issues
Before attempting to troubleshoot a signal acquisition error as a mechanical issue, ensure that
the following patient preparation and basic troubleshooting techniques have first been
followed.
Always follow good skin and patient preparation techniques prior to taking an ECG. Proper
skin preparation helps to ensure a good quality ECG. Skin is a poor conductor of electricity
and frequently creates artifact that distorts the ECG signal.
To prepare the patient for an ECG:
1
Shave hair from electrode sites if necessary (excessive hair prevents a good connection).
2 Wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water.
3 Dry the skin vigorously to increase capillary blood flow to the tissues and to remove the
dead, dry skin cells and oil.
NOTE Do not use alcohol to clean the skin because it dries the skin. If there is no time, rub the
electrode sites with gauze to remove the dead, dry skin and to increase capillary flow.
4
Always use disposable electrodes, and ensure that the disposable electrodes have not
expired. Place the electrodes on flat, fleshy parts of the arms and legs, and place all limb
electrodes equal distance from the heart, at the same position on each limb. If a limb site is
not available (amputation, injury) place the electrodes closer to the torso.
5 For female patients, always place the electrodes on top of the breast (not underneath the
breast tissue).
6 Ensure that all electrodes are firmly attached, and that the lead wires are not pulling on the
electrodes. If the electrodes can be moved easily, the electrode connection is too loose.
7 Reassure the patient and make sure that the patient is comfortable. If the patient has
tremors, attach the limb electrodes higher on the patient (closer to the torso), and assist
with limiting patient moving while taking the ECG.
After ensuring that proper patient preparation techniques are being followed, and that fresh
electrodes are being applied to the patient, review the following table for further assistance.
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