fetatrack 360, User Manual

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f etatrack 360is issue 1 14
required. Since the transducer is free to slide on the belt, repositioning is easily
achieved. When repositioning the transducers always ensure that the fetal pulse
lamp flashes green to ensure good quality recordings and heart rate tracking.
Results will vary from one patient to another, but in all cases good transducer
positioning is essential, and this may be aided by the use of a liberal amount of
coupling gel. It is also important that the belts are correctly tensioned to maintain
good contact with the abdomen.
With the fetus in the vertex presentation and the mother sitting or supine the clearest
sound will normally be found on the midline below the umbilicus. In the lateral
position clearer sounds may be found with the transducer displaced from the center
line to the upper surface of the abdomen. The clearest signals in breach presentation
may be located higher and to one side.
Transducer position which results in sounds with a strong placental or cord signal
should be avoided, as these frequently render traces with artifacts.
It is important that a distinct fetal heart sound is present during monitoring for
correct function of the FETATRACK 360. Any doubt about fetal viability should be
check by listening to the audible signal, or by an alternative diagnostic technique.
A simple check of the ultrasonic system can be made by holding the transducer
against the palm of the hand and stroking the back of the hand at a fixed rate, say
twice per second. A clear audible signal should be heard and the digital display
should show a rate after approximately five seconds. With the printer running this
rate will be recorded on the chart.