Technical mistakes during the acquisition of the electrocardiogram.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol. 2009 Oct;14(4):389-403

Authors: García-Niebla J, Llontop-García P, Valle-Racero JI, Serra-Autonell G, Batchvarov VN, de Luna AB

In addition to knowledge of normal and pathological patterns, the correct interpretation of electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings requires the use of acquisition procedures according to approved standards. Most manuals on standard electrocardiography devote little attention to inadequate ECG recordings. In this article, we present the most frequent ECG patterns resulting from errors in limb and precordial lead placement, artifacts in 12-lead ECG as well as inadequate filter application; we also review alternative systems to the standard ECG, which may help minimize errors.

PMID: 19804517 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]