Author América Torres
When deciding to invest in an electrocardiograph, the first step is, of course, obtaining one that is manufactured by a reliable, well-known, reputable company. Whether you are getting an EKG for the first time, or you want to replace an outdated device, there are some aspects you must consider to make a good choice. Here we´ll cover the most important points you have to keep in mind during the process.
Identify your needs
The best EKG for you is the one that, besides accurate and reliable, fits your needs. In that sense, is important to know:
- What kind of test do you perform?
Resting EKGs? Rhythm EKGs? Spirometry? Stress Test?
- What kind of patients do you attend?
Pediatric, adult or both?
- Do you work in different locations or offices?
- Do you offer your patient home services?
If you just perform one or the other test, you need a device that performs the specific function you are looking for. But if you perform a combination of resting EKG, spirometry or stress tests, you need an electrocardiograph that can do them all. Possibly, you will need to invest on extras to use the device in either mode function, but that will be cheaper than buying separate devices for each test.
For those who are dedicated to adults and children is important to check if the device has the technical specifications, in this case a bandwith that reaches at least 0.05 to 250 Hz, to acquire and analyze pediatric patients’ EKGs.
If you need to take into account the size and weight of the device, there are powerful EKGs that are as practical as a tablet, that can perform reliable tests and that allow you to take them wherever you need them.
Budget and Price-quality ratio
Selecting a device just because of its low cost does not mean you are saving money. The most assertive variables to decide how much to invest in an electrocardiograph are associated with the quality and durability of the device, as well as the availability of service and spare parts/consumables, and ability of the manufacturer to innovate in products that adapt to new and future needs.
Choose an EKG that offers higher advantages than the cost. Take into account the intangible benefits like: available inventory, warranty, training, free installation or free software updates. Having the confidence that you will always be backed by the company that sells the device, and that they have a good post sales service is also very important.
Technical features
After you have decided what you need, it is time to think in a device that offers the most recent technology. Yes, there are cheaper ones that take useful EKGs, but it is worthwhile investing in modern, reliable, and accurate devices. Therefore, to make a good choice you should consider the following features
- Does the electrocardiograph have a friendly interface?
- Leads. Is the EKG multichannel? Does it show at least 3 channels on screen? Does it simultaneously acquire at least 12 leads?
- Screen. Is it big enough? Is it color? Can you see images or just symbols? Does it show where to place the leads? Does it advise on low signal quality and/or lead inversion?
- How to export the test / Connectivity. Does the EKG connect via Wi-Fi/LAN /Ethernet? Does it allow communication to HIS/EMR systems? Does it allow bidirectional communication?
- Printing reports. Can the EKG be saved to a USB stick? Can it export the test in PDF format? Does the device have a built-in multichannel printer?
- Memory. Can the device store reports? How many resting EKGs or rhythms can it store?
- Patient information. Can you store patient data? Can you input data using a barcode scanner or import it from your EMR?
- Safety. Does it have cybersecurity protocols for patient data protection? Is it HIPAA compliant?
As you have realized, getting an electrocardiograph is a decision that should not be made considering price only. The best device is the one that, besides coming from a reliable company, fits your needs, reduces health care costs, simplifies work flow, and improves clinical outcomes.
