title: Recording electrocardiograms using 3-limb lead cables instead of the standard 4: a modification to minimize incorrect electrode placements.
abstract: The similarity between and the number of limb lead cables play an important role in the frequency of incorrect connection of limb electrodes. Hence, a modified electrocardiogram (ECG) acquisition procedure is proposed in this brief communication, whereby the left-leg (LL) and right-leg (RL) electrode cables are combined into 1 cable, referred to as combined LL/RL cable. The electrode wires in the combined LL/RL cable are connected to 2 electrodes placed on both sides of the LL. The combined LL/RL cable is unique enough (being thicker) not to be mistaken with the upper limb electrode cables. The proposed modification will not in any way influence the ECG waveforms or amplitudes, and it can be expected to substantially reduce incorrect limb electrode placements.
authors.affiliation: Epidemiological Cardiology Research Center (EPICARE), Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27104, USA. esoliman@wfubmc.edu
authors.forename: Elsayed Z
authors.initials: EZ
authors.lastname: Soliman
mesh_terms: D016477:Artifacts; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004559:Electric Wiring / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D004566:Electrodes; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis