ECG calipers are measuring tools used in cardiology to measure the distance between lines on an electrocardiogram (ECG). They consist of two adjustable legs with spikes on the end and are often made of steel. Computer versions are also available.
A caliper is a measuring tool used to measure thickness, distance, and diameter. ECG calipers are most commonly of a type called dividing calipers, consisting of two adjustable, pivoting legs with a spike or spike on the end of each leg. They are used in medicine, primarily in cardiology, and are specifically calibrated to measure the distance, or interval, between lines on a graph called an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG for short). Many ECG calipers include a separate ruler for measuring the distance between the caliper tips after they are placed on the lines, or waves, of the ECG graph. The ruler then provides a measurement that often translates distance into seconds, for example 25mm can equal 1 second, allowing the user to review the ECG and make a diagnosis.
Electrocardiography is a method of examining heart activity and is used to diagnose various types of heart problems, such as myocardial infarction. This diagnostic procedure is considered particularly effective in diagnosing heart problems related to an abnormal heart rhythm. To perform the exam, skin electrodes are attached to the legs, arms, and chest. These electrodes are connected to an ECG device which is then able to provide a detailed, non-invasive record of the heart’s electrical impulses as a series of waves. The graph produced is then reviewed and interpreted by a specialist, and ECG calipers are commonly used to help interpret the readings.
ECG gauges are often made of steel or other metal, and a common size is about 4-5 inches (10-15cm) long, although they come in different sizes. The tips of the ECG calipers are very fine and sharp to be placed securely and accurately on the ECG graph paper. These tips are often covered by a removable protective cap. Some ECG calipers are vernier calipers, which means they have prongs that slide along the instrument rather than legs that pivot for measurement. Vernier calipers usually have a ruler or scale built into the tool itself.
There are computer versions of ECG calipers available as software programs. This type of software allows measurement and interpretation of ECG results directly on a computer screen in cases where the ECG is available as a computer file rather than printed on graph paper. The interface for this type of ECG calipers is commonly designed to look like the portable measuring instrument and is manipulated with the computer mouse on the screen.
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