12-Lead ECG Interference: Common Causes and Solutions

If your ECG readings appear unclear with fuzzy or thick lines, it could indicate a problem with the connection to the patient. To ensure accurate readings, follow these steps to troubleshoot common causes of interference:

1. Patient Movement and Muscle Artifacts

• Ensure the patient is calm, relaxed, and still during the procedure.
• Muscle artifacts can occur if the patient is nervous or tensing their limbs.
• If the patient is cold or shivering, muscle tremors may be detected by the ECG, causing interference.

2. Electrical Interference

• Loose or dry electrodes can cause electrical noise, but this is typically avoided when fresh electrodes are used and properly firmly attached to the skin.

3. Wandering Baseline

• A wandering baseline appears as a slow, undulating shift in the ECG trace.
• This can be caused by patient movement, including breathing.
• Loose or dry electrodes may also contribute to this issue.
• If the wandering baseline persists, it could indicate an issue with the ECG machine. In such cases, contact a support technician for further assistance.

4. Poor Electrode Contact

• Excessive body hair, skin oils, or lotions can prevent proper adhesion of the electrodes, resulting in poor signal quality.
• Ensure the skin is clean and dry before applying the electrodes to improve conductivity.

By addressing these common factors, you can reduce ECG interference and obtain clearer, more reliable readings. If issues persist, please contact technical support for further assistance.