Wireless electrocardiograms (ECGs) use electrodes with conductive gel to transmit signals wirelessly to a base unit, offering more comfort for patients. They are useful for diagnosing and monitoring patients in hospitals or at home, and can be used for veterinary purposes. Costs vary depending on features and manufacturers.
A wireless electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a reading of electrical signals in the heart taken with electrodes that transmit signals wirelessly to a base unit such as a computer. Electrocardiography is a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring patients; wireless systems offer more functionality and comfort for patients. With traditional equipment, the patient must wear leads connected to the electrodes, and things like movement can disrupt the test and interfere with readings.
In a wireless ECG, a technician places electrodes covered with conductive gel on the patient’s chest. Placement is important, as they must be optimally positioned to minimize interference. The wireless units on the back of the pads will transmit data to a base unit. For ambulatory monitoring, the patient can wear or carry the base unit without worrying about lead management. In a hospital setting, the pads can communicate directly with a computer or telemetry station.
Wireless ECG can be useful for obtaining basic data about a patient with a suspected heart problem, monitoring a patient in a hospital setting, or monitoring heart rhythm during surgery. Signal strength varies by unit, and many systems come with software to clean up the signal and present a clear, easy-to-read ECG trace, a visual representation of the electrical rhythms in hearts. In a hospital environment where patients may be connected to a tangle of cables and equipment, reducing the number of wires around the bed can make patients more comfortable and easier to care for.
There are also potential applications for wireless ECG in a home setting. For outpatient studies of patients with intermittent heart disorders, the device can be worn for a specified amount of time to generate data for a cardiologist to inspect. Emergency services personnel can use wireless devices to quickly collect patient data and transmit it to an inpatient hospital, or they can carry the information with them to deliver to the doctor who admits the patient to the hospital.
Costs for wireless ECG systems vary depending on the features and manufacturer. Hospitals and professionals considering such systems may wish to obtain technical specifications for comparison. Some companies have sample models that will allow people to test to see if the system meets their needs, and they may offer discounts for buying multiple units. Wireless ECG technology is also available for veterinary use.
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