Medical equipment is often taken for granted by technicians, medical staff and even by doctors and facilities managers. However, when the devices start to malfunction or they need to be replaced, making the right choice in all types of diagnostic equipment including a 12-lead ECG , comes down to choosing the most accurate, durable and effective brand and model.
Not taking the time to consider new technology, different models and even different brands in ECG equipment and simply replacing an existing old piece of equipment with the same device is a mistake. Often top of the line models from years gone by are not superior to new options and designs on the market, so it is worth your time to complete research and evaluate the pros and cons of all models currently available.
The Importance of Reliability
As the 12-lead ECG is used to measure the electrical activity that is generated by the contraction of the heart, a system that is highly accurate and able to track all aspects of the contractions through the P, Q, R, S and T waves is essential for accurate diagnosis and detection of possible heart conditions.
With the 12-lead option in an ECG device, including the portable devices used by EMS technicians, highly accurate readings are possible. The electrodes are placed on specific areas of the body, and they are typically color coded for ease of use and correct placement.
The Essential Functions
With the information collected from the leads, the 12-lead ECG then produces a visible printout of the electrical activity of the heart. The peaks and valleys of the readout translate to the movement of the heart and correspond to the waves that indicated either normal electrical activity or abnormal heart activity.
Portable units and most units that are used in hospital settings will operate on both direct power or battery power. In virtually all situations battery power is considered the backup option, but it is the go-to option with the smaller handheld units used by the EMT systems. In hospitals, it is very common for the ECG device to be in a dedicated location and the patient moved to the system rather than the device moved to the patient. This eliminates potential damage to the device that can occur with continual movement through the hospital and clinical settings.
Both new and refurbished ECG devices are available for most of the top brands and models. Refurbished inventories are more variable, but working with a top dealer offering refurbished medical equipment can allow you to find the right ECG for your needs.
