FAQ for Cardiology 

Why can’t we simply have one electrode for adult patients and one for paediatric patients?

With today’s ECG equipment we are now able to make more accurate recordings and even suggest a diagnosis. Many new applications, such as event recording, are becoming more common. This requires a perfect trace with no artefacts and thus a higher quality, and an optimal electrode design. Furthermore it makes no sense to use a long-term electrode for a test that only takes 15 minutes. And even during short tests, some patients are resting whereas others are exercising and sweating. Each type of application demands different properties from the electrodes. This is why Ambu offers more than 100 different varieties of electrodes.

Why were the unprotected pins for lead wire electrodes discontinued?

Ambu discontinued unprotected lead wires due to EU-regulations as per January 1st, 1998 to prevent use after this date. All lead wire electrodes are now required to have a safety connector. You are welcome to call us if you need advice or help in converting your equipment to the new connectors.

What is the difference between wet gel and solid gel?

Ambu provides both wet and solid gel electrodes depending on the specific need. The wet gel has two characteristics, which make it superior to standard solid gels. A maximum skin contact and ability to rapidly reduce skin impedance help avoiding baseline drift and provide a fast and accurate ECG trace. Our skin-friendly solid gel minimizes epidermal reactions, makes it easy to remove electrodes without hurting sensitive skin and allows some electrode types to be repositioned.

What makes the offset connectors on Ambu ECG electrodes so special?

The two main reasons for using an offset electrode are to minimise movement artefacts and to avoid pressing on the patients when connecting the cable. Did you know that you can use the same electrode when transferring the patient from Operation Theatre to Recovery Room? This is because the Ambu ECG electrode can be disconnected without compromising the quality of the signal.

Are all Ambu ECG electrodes latex free?

YES, all Ambu electrodes are completely latex free.

How do I determine what part number to order?

All Ambu ECG electrodes use the same terminology in describing individual products. The product comprises four main components:

• The actual electrode type e.g. R, M or NF
• The length of the lead wire
• The connector type
• The number of electrodes per pouch

For colour coded lead wires the suffix "US" or "EU" is added. To give some examples, reference number R-00-S/10 means an R electrode with snap connector and 10 electrodes per pouch. Reference number BR-50-K/3 is a BR electrode with a 50 cm lead wire, a K connector and 3 electrodes per pouch.

Why are the tab electrodes only available with solid gel?

Tab electrodes are in fact now available in both wet and solid gel versions. Ambu Blue Sensor SU - the first tab electrode with wet gel - has recently been introduced in the Ambu ECG electrode range. Ambu Blue Sensor SU has all the characteristic benefits of Ambu ECG electrodes: offset connector, no movement artefacts, wet gel, rapid reduction of skin impedance, good signal quality etc. Ambu Blue Sensor SU is conveniently presented on a card of 10 electrodes, which makes handling quick and easy. If you need further information, please refer to resting ECG in the product information section or contact your local Ambu office.

Do all the electrodes have the same adhesive?

At Ambu we differentiate between high tack (immediate adhesion) and high adhesive (long term adhesion). The electrodes we recommend for resting ECG have a high tack adhesive whereas the electrodes for Holter or Event have an adhesive that ensures that the electrode can stay securely in place for a long period.

Why are there different backing materials?

This is due to different application demands. The backings of electrodes, which remain in position for a long time must allow the skin to breathe throughout the procedure. Electrodes for emergency use must be able to resist sweat and other fluids for which use we have a waterproof backing.

Why is it important not to press in the centre area when applying the Ambu ECG electrodes?

This is because most Ambu ECG electrodes have wet gel. To ensure a good signal and secure adhesion of the electrode it is important that the wet gel does not get squeezed out onto the adhesive.