Electrode studies for the long-term ambulatory ECG.

Abstract

Noise and motion artefacts interfere with ambulatory ECG recording. In the paper the hypothesis that proper skin preparation and electrode design and placement could reduce the artefact levels is tested. The comparison of four commercial electrodes shows differences in adhesive strength and levels of skin irritation but does not indicate significant differences in the artefact levels produced by the electrodes. Four treatments are compared—no skin preparation, rubbing with alcohol, abrasion and puncturing—for their effectiveness in reducing motion artefact. Skin preparations do not reduce the motion artefact significantly but cause much discomfort. Therefore, skin preparation is not recommended. We recorded the signal (QRS complex) to-noise (artefact at the electrode site) ratio at 15 thoracic locations and recommend two pairs for ambulatory ECG recording. The statistical experimental design procedures used can also be adopted for comparison and testing for improvement of other electrode properties and designs.