A nonpenetrating fetal scalp electrode.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a nonpenetrating scalp electrode for intrapartum fetal monitoring.


METHODS
Preliminary observational evaluation of the device.


METHODS
An urban academic hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa.


METHODS
Fifteen women in labour.


METHODS
Application of the electrode for intrapartum monitoring.


METHODS
Quality of tracings, duration of application, disconnection of the electrode, marking of the scalp.


RESULTS
Application was successful in 13 of 15 women, and high quality tracings obtained in 12.


CONCLUSIONS
The design of scalp electrode tested is effective and produces high quality tracings in most cases.
Hofmeyr
G J
GJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Coronation Hospital, Johannesburg.
Nikodem
V C
VC
Gülmezoĝlu
A M
AM
Bunn
A E
AE
D000328:Adult; D001720:Birth Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D004566:Electrodes; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005323:Fetal Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D011247:Pregnancy; D012535:Scalp / Q000293:injuries