European data format 'plus' (EDF+), an EDF alike standard format for the exchange of physiological data.
The European data format (EDF) is a widely accepted standard for exchange of electroencephalogram and polysomnogram data between different equipment and labs. But it hardly accommodates other investigations. EDF+ is a more flexible but still simple format which is compatible to EDF except that an EDF+ file may contain interrupted recordings. Also, EDF+ supports time-stamped annotations for the storage of events such as text annotations, stimuli, averaged signals, electrocardiogram parameters, apnoeas and so on. When compared to EDF, EDF+ can not only store annotations but also electromyography, evoked potentials, electroneurography, electrocardiography and many more types of investigations. Further improvements over EDF include the use of standard electrode names. EDF+ is so much like EDF that existing EDF viewers still display the signals in EDF+ files. Software development is limited mainly to implementing the annotations. EDF+ offers a format for a wide range of neurophysiological investigations which can become a standard within a few years.
Kemp
Bob
B
Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Neurology, Leiden, The Netherlands. bk@hsr.nl
Olivan
Jesus
J
D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000592:standards*; D004576:Electromyography; D005060:Europe; D005071:Evoked Potentials; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval; D007256:Information Systems; D017286:Polysomnography / Q000592:standards*; D012984:Software