Electrodes

Electrode preparations make a measureable difference.
The purpose of this study was to objectively determine if electrode prep really makes a difference in obtaining usable ECG waveforms from ambulatory patients.

The methodology: Same patient, equipment, leads, lead configuration, electrodes, etc., were used to record a resting ECG lead while introducing artifact. The only variable was the kind of electrode prep being used. One lead used no prep; the electrode was just applied directly to the skin. Another used a standard alcohol prep, and the other five leads were prepared with five different commercial available preparations.

The conclusions: All electrode preparations improves the monitoring results, some better than others. The no prep lead measured almost 4 million ohms of skin resistance, which was reduced to 1 million ohms with a simple alcohol prep. The best result came from Nuprep, which reduced the skin resistance to 1.2K ohms (greater than 3,000 to 1 reduction). All commercial solutions virtually eliminated the induced artifact and reduced the measured resistance.

ID	Prep Name	Impedance	MIR	AR	ETR	OR	NEWS
LP	Less Prep (No Prep)	3.9M ohms	7	1	7	15	No application required
AP	Alcohol Prep	1.0M ohms	6	2	6	14	Easy application
AT	Abrasive Tape Prep	2.9K ohms	3	5	1	9	Mild discomfort in application
GP	Green Prep	5.0K ohms	4	7	1	12	Difficult to get outcomes out in a big blob. Difficult to remove excess.
NP	Nuprep	1.2K ohms	1	2	1	4	Easy application
RP	Redux Prep	9.2K ohms	5	2	5	12	Easy application
SP	Scour Pad Prep	2.2K ohms	2	5	2	8	Painful during application

Abbreviations:
MIR: Measured Impedance Rating
AR: Application Rating. How easy was the prep to use and was there any discomfort for the patient.
ETR: Electrode Tap Rating. How well does the prep deal with the induced artifact.
OR: Overall rating. The sum of the ratings. Lower number is better.
Ratings: All ratings are on a scale of 1-7 with 1 being the best and 7 the worst.

***This study was conducted by SAW Medical Systems.

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