Actiheart Guide to Getting Started 5.1.11 (Feb 2020)
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preparation is required to ensure that the levels captured by the device are high
enough and consequently that noise levels are low enough for a good quality
recording.
The purpose of skin preparation is to remove the top layer of the skin, the
Stratum Corneum and to scratch the surface of the next layer of skin down, the
Stratum Granulosum. The recommended skin preparation procedure is as
follows:
Procedure for Skin Preparation
Clean the skin to ensure that it is clean and oil free. This can easily be achieved
by using warm water and soap or other detergent. Alcohol should not be used as
this can potentially cause skin irritation which needs to be avoided.
Use an abrasive material to remove the top layer of skin. The ideal preparation
material is a Cardio prep which is similar to very fine emery paper. One that
CamNtech has tried with success is the Cardio Prep from Unomedical, stock
code 2121M. These are low cost adhesive backed skin preparation pads which
are supplied in packs of 50. In the absence of an abrasive material a suitable
alternative is to rub the skin with a towel or other cloth. If this is done it should be
vigorous enough to remove the top layer of skin. Some redness will be seen and
this is normal and should not be cause for concern.
Apply the chosen pads to the chest. This is best achieved by placing the pad in
the centre of the chest and locating the Actiheart on it. Attach the second pad to
the other clip on the Actiheart and use the wire to position the second electrode.
Further details on positioning of the Actiheart are shown below:
5.3 Multi-Day Wear
of ECG Pads
Although many of the ECG pads from manufacturers are labelled as “Long
Term”, this typically does not refer to use spanning a week from a single
application. For recordings of this length, it is recommended to change pads
regularly every few days. Note that it is particularly important to clean all residue
off the skin after removing previous pads in order to avoid further irritation.
Subsequent applications of ECG pads may be applied in slightly varying location
in order to avoid irritating exactly the same regions of skin. As described below,
there is some latitude in positioning while still capturing good ECG data in order
to facilitate this.
5.3 Electrode
Positioning
The best ECG signals can usually be picked up by placing the large end of the
Actiheart unit in a position midway between and below V1 and V2. The other
electrode can be placed at V4 or V5. This is illustrated on the chest in the
diagram below. A position on the upper chest around 10cm higher than that
shown in the diagram can also be used
– this may be either more or less
acceptable for female users depending on their breast size. According to
