How to Troubleshoot EKG Leads

Cardiac leads used during an electrocardiogram (EKG) are essential for transmitting heart signals to the EKG machine. The machine provides a tracing of cardiac activity on graph paper, which a healthcare provider reads to determine heart health. Many factors play a part in the accuracy of EKG tracings, and trouble with the electrodes or cardiac leads can cause faulty tracings to occur. Knowing how to troubleshoot EKG leads is one step in ensuring appropriate results.

Things You'll Need

• EKG leads
• Electrodes

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Check each electrode for proper adhesion to the skin. Electrodes which are loose or peeling up will have reduced conductivity and can reduce the ability of the cardiac leads to transmit signals. Baby powder and lotions can interfere with electrode adhesion, so be sure the skin is free of any substances in the areas electrodes are placed. Use alcohol pads to cleanse the skin and reapply the electrodes.

• 2

  Ensure electrodes are properly placed on the body. Each type of EKG, 3-lead, 5-lead or 12-lead, reads from specific areas of the chest and need to be properly placed. Also, be sure you are using the correct electrodes for your patient; either pediatric or adult electrodes as appropriate.

• 3

  Check leads to be sure each is properly and completely attached to an electrode. Leads which are not completely joined with an electrode can give a faulty reading. Unhook and reattach leads as needed to ensure proper attachment.

• 4

  Encourage your patient to lie very still while being prepped for the EKG and while the EKG test is running. Patient movement can interfere with the ability of leads to send appropriate signals to the electrocardiogram machine. Excessive patient movement will result in an unreadable or inaccurate cardiac reading.

• 5

  Inspect the leads for shortages or damage which may be interfering with appropriate readings. If leads appear to be damaged, detach from your patient and use another set of leads. Also, check the cable which connects the cardiac leads to the EKG machine to be sure it is plugged in all the way.