ECG electrodes. A study of electrical and mechanical long-term properties

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Long-term monitoring with electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes requires stable electrical and physical properties.
• Commercially available ECG electrodes vary in performance over time, impacting data quality and patient comfort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term performance of various commercial ECG electrodes over a 7-day period.
• To assess key parameters including polarization potential, electrical impedance, adhesion, and skin reactions.

Main Methods:

• Investigated polarization potential, electrical impedance, adhesion, and skin reactions of ECG electrodes.
• Tested electrodes over a 7-day period under simulated long-term use conditions.

Main Results:

• Ag/AgCl electrodes demonstrated the most stable polarization potentials.
• Some simple disposable electrodes exhibited significant polarization potential variations.
• Disposable electrodes with stable adhesion and electrode cups showed the most consistent electrical impedance.
• Electrodes with large self-adhesive collars maintained adhesion and mechanical integrity throughout the 7-day test.

Conclusions:

• Ag/AgCl electrodes are recommended for applications requiring stable polarization potentials.
• Disposable ECG electrodes with robust adhesion, particularly those with self-adhesive collars, are suitable for extended monitoring periods.