Maintaining Your Electrocardiograph Machine

In today’s blog we are going to highlight Electrocardiograph Machines (EKG’s). For those who are not familiar with EKG machines, I will give a brief rundown of the basic functions of an electrocardiograph. An electrocardiograph detects the electrical activity of the heart and subsequently produces a graphic record, an electrocardiogram, of voltage versus time. Each portion of the ECG is directly related to an electrical cardiac event, and variations or abnormalities seen in the ECG can often be traced to a particular site in the heart. Each ECG trace, which is derived from the electrical activity detected by two or more electrodes placed at certain points on the patient’s skin surface, is called a lead. A full-lead ECG records 12 leads derived from 10 electrode locations.

In order to properly maintain and keep any piece of medical equipment functioning properly, it is mandatory to perform routine preventative maintenance on your system. Whether you have an ultrasound system or an electrocardiograph, it is imperative to perform routine maintenance.

Here are a couple of basic maintenance tips that will help keep your machine operating smoothly.

Preventive maintenance

• Clean the exterior (including front panel controls), all rollers, paper guides, and knife edges, if needed.
• Lubricate the recorder mechanism and paper drive per the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Calibrate damping and stylus, if required.
• Replace filters and batteries, if required. Some units have air filters that accompany the cooling fan. Check and replace these filters, if needed. If any of the test procedures indicate a weak or defective battery, even after charging for 12 or more hours, replace the battery.

Are you in the market for a new EKG Machine? Visit Mortara Instruments today!