Importance Of Electrode Site Preparation:
Problems with cables, lead wires, bad electrodes and improper electrode site preparation cause baseline wander, excessive 60 Hz interference (fuzzy traces), motion artifact and false heart rate alarms. This will interfere with important critical care monitoring, ambulatory monitoring, and stress tests. These problems are avoidable with proper electrode site preparation, use of known-good electrodes and replacement of faulty lead wires and patient cables. Measurement of electrode impedance is a fast, simple way to identify and correct ALL of these problems and smooth out the wrinkles in ECG monitoring.

EVALUATING ELECTRODES AND METHODS OF SITE PREPARATION?
If you have ever tried to evaluate the performance of electrodes, then you know how difficult, subjective and frustrating this process can be. With the introduction of specialty electrodes for stress testing, E.R. use, resting ECGs, etc., combined with the variety of types and price differences, this task is now more difficult than ever. To select the BEST PERFORMING & BEST PRICED electrode for each task, the only way to do this is by actual assessment of the two most essential properties of an electrode, namely, its ability to conduct the ECG signal (what is its impedance?) and its ability to perform in its operative environment (will it stay on the patient?). Whereas you can determine the second property without instrumentation, the only way to determine an electrode's ability to conduct the ECG is by measuring the impedance. The PREP-CHECK is simply the best way to do this!

With regard to electrode site preparation, there are many techniques and materials available to do this. An article, Rx for ECG Monitoring Artifact (see below) published in Critical Care Nursing (Vol 4, No. 1, Jan/Feb 1984) fully explains the sources of ECG artifact and provides helpful insights in addressing them. As the article explains, one very important part of getting good traces is proper electrode site preparation. D.O. Weaver (www.doweaver.com) is one of several providers of prepping agents. They will be glad to send you a sample and, as the article explains, you will see an immediate change in electrode-skin impedance and a concurrent improvement in your traces. Using the PREP-CHECK to monitor your prepping results, you will be able to develop an effective, standardized prepping procedure perfectly suited to your specific needs.

EIM-105 PREP-CHECK ELECTRODE IMPEDANCE METER The EIM-105 PREP-CHECK has long been the "gold standard" in electrode impedance meters and is used by all major monitoring and electrode companies. This simple-to-use instrument quickly measures the QUALITY of your electrode system and pinpoints what is right and what is wrong. Taking just seconds to use, PREP-CHECK provides an clear, unambiguous measurement of the quality of the electrode and the electrode site preparation as well as detecting faulty lead wires and patient cables. Using this simple instrument, you can get good traces ALL the time under ALL circumstances.

Accurate and simple to use, measurements are presented on BOTH a large numerical readout as well as by color-coded GOOD/POOR lights. A lead selector switch permits measurement of each individual electrode and permits unambiguous identification of problem sources. Simple to use, with user-friendly controls, you just plug in your lead wires - push the start button - fix the problems and done! It even turns itself off when you are finished! It's that easy!

Saving valuable time and money, PREP-CHECK minimizes annoying and dangerous false alarming, reduces disturbances to the patient, and provides consistent high quality monitoring. Even if your equipment already has impedance measurement or "leads-off" capability, PREP-CHECK will save time, money and smooth out the wrinkles in ECG monitoring.

• Accurate Impedance Measurements
• Clear Identification Of Problem Leads & Electrodes
• AAMI Recommended Test Frequency
• Fast, Convenient Connection To Lead Wires
• Large Numeric LCD
• Color-Coded Good/Poor Lights
• Automatic Turn-Off
• Fast & Easy To Use
• Lead Selector Switch
• Inexpensive, Long-Lasting 9 Volt Battery
• Compact, Rugged ABS Plastic Case

• Impedance Range: 100 to 199,999 ohms
• Impedance Accuracy: +/- 3% of Reading, +/- 200 ohms
• Number Electrodes Tested: Up to 3
• Test Current: 10 uA, 10 or 30 Hz, Sinusoidal, 0 D.C.
• Display: 3 ½ digit, ½" LCD Readout with Good/Poor LEDs
• Self-Test: Internal 100k, 1% precision resistor
• Battery Test: Continuous, with LCD Indication
• Battery Type: 1 9 Volt Alkaline Battery
• Case Size: 3.5" x 5.65" x 1.35"
• Inexpensive, Long-Lasting 9 Volt Battery
• Enclosure: Impact Resistance, Fire Retardant ABS Plastic