Actiheart Guide to Getting Started 5.1.11 (Feb 2020)
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5.0
Preparing for a Recording
5.1 Selection of
appropriate ECG
Pads and Preparation
of the Skin
Range of Pads
Before the Actiheart can be used, the subject has to be fitted with ECG pads to
clip the Actiheart to. Selection of appropriate pads is difficult because there are
many different types of skin and different skin types react differently to different
pads. Users may experience some redness and itchiness from pads in normal
use. However, if there is any significant discomfort from skin irritation or reaction
then they must remove the ECG pads.
There are a huge variety of electrode pads available. CamNtech has tried many
but suggest as a starting point the following (
NOTE
: information is intended for
general guidance only and does not constitute clinical advice or endorsement of
any particular product
– the user is responsible for the suitability of the
electrodes). We advise you to experiment with your local supplier and population
group.
Short Term Recording Pads
These tend to be foam backed pads with high adhesion.
•
3M Red Dot 2560. These are extremely adhesive pads that provide very good
adhesion for short term use. The downside of this is that on removal, CamNtech
has noticed some gel residue left on the skin. They are not really suitable for long
term use.
Long Term Recording Pads
These tend to be micro porous cloth backed pads which allow the skin to breathe
during longer term recordings.
•
DORMO Solid Gel SP-50. These pads are usually supplied by CamNtech for
initial testing, suitable for most purposes but we recommend testing yourself with
the specific target group before committing to any pad.
•
Unomedical Unilect Long Term 4620M. These are cloth backed pads and are
small in size. These pads would be the most suitable type for paediatric use.
•
Unomedical Unilect Long Term 4060M. These are similar to the 4620M but larger
in size. They have a raised section of the backing plastic that is designed for use
in skin preparation.
•
Bio Protech ECG electrode E5 Tele815. These are very similar in construction to
the Unilect Long Term 4060M pads. They also appear to be good value
financially.
5.2 Skin
Preparation
In all cases, adequate skin preparation is vital to the success of any recording.
The R wave signal that the Actiheart requires is usually low and adequate skin
