How to Apply ECG Leads

An electrocardiogram, or ECG, is a machine that monitors a patient's heartbeat. An ECG machine has leads that are colored and divided in various numbers such as 3-lead, 4-lead, or 5-lead, depending on the machine. A lead on an ECG machine is responsible for recording the heart's electrical activity from different vantage points on a patient's body. This means that leads need to be placed on specific locations on your patient's body to record the necessary electrical activity of your patient's heart.

Things You'll Need

• Alcohol pads
• Razor
• ECG user manual
• Leads
• Electrodes
• Medical tape

Show More

Instructions

Placing the Leads

• 1

  Shave any hair from electrode sites. Take an alcohol pad to cleanse electrode sites and remove any dirt and debris. Allow the alcohol to thoroughly dry.

• 2

  Refer to your user manual to understand the placement of your leads. For example, leads can be placed on limbs according to orientation. For example, if you have a lead that says, RA , LF and LA, this means right arm, left foot and left arm.

• 3

  Prior to applying the electrodes to your patient, snap the leads into the electrodes. You may then apply your electrodes to your patient dependent on the type of ECG you're performing. Remove adhesive taping from the back of the electrode and firmly place the electrode on your patient accordingly.

• 4

  Make a small loop on lead wires and tape the loops lightly to your patient's skin. This will minimize the movement of leads when recording an ECG.

• 5

  After your leads have been placed, ensure that they have been placed in the necessary locations prior to turning on the ECG machine. Snap the leads onto the ECG machine. Once you turn the machine on, you'll be able to record the electrical activity of your patient's heart.