THE ULTIMATE BUYER'S GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT ECG  &  OUR 5 BEST-SELLING ECG'S

So much has changed in the ECG market in the past decade or so.

From the increasing popularity of portable ECG devices to the demand for greater interoperability, these changes are pushing the boundaries of what is possible for diagnosing and monitoring cardiovascular diseases.

We’ve also seen massive changes caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic such as an increase in usage of devices capable of wireless or remote ECG acquisition.

If you’re a physician or cardiologist looking for a new ECG machine whether to replace an old one or to equip your expanding facility, choosing the right ECG/EKG machine is going to take careful research into what type and model fits your specific needs.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the things you need to consider when buying an EKG device in an evolving market so you can make the best decision for your facility.

Things to Consider When Looking for an ECG Machine

The key to finding the right ECG machine is knowing your exact needs and non-negotiables.

What features of an ECG device do you and your team have to absolutely have? And what features will dramatically boost your department’s efficiency and quality of patient care?

Because it’s ultimately you and the cardiology team that will deal with this new piece of equipment on a daily basis, you need to consider their opinion in the decision-making. Hold a meeting or survey if you will.

From there, conduct your research and narrow down your list to 3 to 5 ECG devices that seem to fit the bill.

The discussions below will help give you an idea of what you need to look for in an ECG device and come up with an initial list of features that will benefit you, the team, and the whole facility.

Stand-Alone or PC-Based?

Most ECG machines in the market are stand-alone box-type ECGs that can measure and record ECG waveforms on their own.

PC-based ECGs, on the other hand, need to be connected (and powered by) a computer or tablet with ECG software installed. A PC-based ECG basically transforms any computer into an ECG device.

PC-based ECGs are gaining popularity because they cost significantly less than stand-alone ECGs and they give the benefit of a computer’s larger screen, bigger keyboard, and more familiar interface.

The downside to PC-based ECGs is the dependence on computers which tend to be prone to virus infections, software malfunctions, and other damages caused by non-ECG-related usage.

Computers and tablets also take longer to boot up than stand-alone ECGs depending on the model.

No. of Electrodes and Leads

The number of electrodes an ECG device uses dictates how many leads it can capture.

But first, let’s get this out of the way: A lead is different from electrodes.

Many people get this wrong so they get confused and get the wrong device.

Electrodes are the small, plastic patches that are placed at certain spots on the arms, legs, and chest during an ECG.

On the other hand, a lead is the graphical description of the heart’s electrical activity and is calculated by analyzing the electrical currents detected by the electrodes.

In simple terms, the electrodes are the tools, the leads are the results.

These are the things to remember when looking at an ECG’s electrodes and leads:

• ECGs that generate 3 leads use 3 electrodes on the torso
• ECGs that generate 5 leads use 5 electrodes on the torso
• ECGs that generate 12 leads use 10 electrodes on the torso and limbs

The more electrodes an ECG device uses, the more information about the heart you can get.

No. of Channels (Printout Size)

When shopping around for ECG devices, you’ll see them labeled as 1, 3, 6, or 12-channel ECGs. This refers to how many leads the device can print on a single sheet of paper.

A 12-channel ECG can print all 12 leads at once, including the analysis and interpretation if it has that option, on an 8.5” × 11” paper or “full page”. This format is called the 12x1 format.

A 6-channel ECG can print 6 leads in one paper sheet and needs two sheets to print all 12 leads. This format is called 6x2.

A 3-channel ECG prints 3 leads in one paper sheet, requiring 4 sheets to print all 12 leads. This format is referred to as 3x4.

Finally, a 1-channel ECG prints one lead at a time and needs 12 sheets to print all 12 leads. Single-channel ECGs are more compact than 12-channel ECGs and usually use 50mm wide x 30m long thermal papers.

NOTE: A 12-channel ECG usually comes with an option to print 6x2, 3x4, and 1x12 formats. That's why they are often referred to as multichannel ECGs. Refer to the specifications of the device to ensure what printout formats are available.

Interpretation

Many ECG devices now come standard with interpretive software that provides an instant second opinion on ECG results.

Two of the most recognized interpretive algorithms are the Glasgow and Minnesota Code. Although some vendors use a different algorithm, many of these are a derivative of one of these.

While automated interpretation can come in handy in certain cases, be sure to have your results verified by trained professionals. Fully relying on automated interpretations exposes you and your patients to the risk of misdiagnosis.

With that said, there is no harm in purchasing a device with interpretation as it usually does not involve additional cost and you can turn it off if you want to.

Connectivity and Interoperability

While hospitals are moving away from paper print-outs to fully digital systems to boost workflow efficiency, many physicians we work with prefer having both printed and digitized ECG waveforms for different purposes.

The problem with old ECG machines is they mostly use software that will only work with data management systems from the same vendor, making it hard to integrate a patient’s ECG data collected by a, say, GE device to a third-party EHR system.

But, as we said before, vendors are slowly but surely fixing this issue. GE, for example, opened its Muse software for integration with third-party cardiology systems.

When purchasing a new ECG system, you want an interoperable device that will seamlessly work with your existing ECG management system and the hospital EMR.

Another thing to think about is bidirectional communication which, in the context of ECG, is the two-way communication between EHR systems and ECG devices.

Bidirectional communication allows clinicians to transfer patient records from EHR systems straight to the ECG device and export patient test results from the ECG device to the EHR system.

It makes transfers of test orders easier, faster, and traceable and saves time by eliminating the need for clinicians to input patient data again and again.

But take note that not all ECG devices that are capable of bidirectional communication can integrate with third-party EMRs. Some are still limited to same-vendor EMRs.

Gearing up for interoperability will set your department or facility up for success as you can easily comply with the Meaningful Use requirements for IT systems as set by the Medicare and Medicaid Promoting Interoperability Program.

Preview Screen

Being able to preview the ECG waveforms before you print them out avoids wasting expensive thermal papers.

Screens of ECG devices range from single-color small LCDs to large, multi-colored touchscreen displays. Bigger displays are easier to work with as they can display all 12 leads and other important details simultaneously.

Data Input

How easy is it to input patient information into the ECG device, or can you input data at all?

It's faster to enter data into a full QWERTY keyboard than a numeric keypad or a trackball/knob.

Some newer models even have a barcode scanner that automatically transfers patient data into the ECG device by simply scanning their patient tag.

Storage

Some cardiology departments like saving up patient test results for a week or so before transferring the data into a computer.

If your department works like this, choose an ECG device that can store at least 100 patient test results.

Some devices also allow you to expand this memory with a USB drive or SD card.

Warranty or Support

If you run into a technical problem, how easy is it to get ahold of a support team? What is the process for returns, repairs, and replacement?

While it’s cheaper and easier to have defective devices repaired locally, some vendors require you to ship the device abroad to get it repaired. Be sure to ask the vendor where their service centers are located or if there are any in your country.

Other Features

What is considered standard and advanced in ECG devices are also changing through the years.

It used to be normal, for example, to have static image guides for the right lead placement locations. Now, ECG devices are being equipped with lead placement assistance that not only graphically shows you where to attach the leads but also alerts you if one of the leads is not attached properly.

Some ECGs can even perform spirometry, giving you a two-in-one, dollar-saving device.

Some models can also detect signs of a heart attack, enabling clinicians to respond more promptly and appropriately.

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OUR 5 BEST-SELLING ECG'S

Over the years, we’ve assisted hundreds of physicians and purchasing managers in choosing the right ECG device for their facility.

Out of all the available ECG devices in the market, how will you choose the right fit for your facility’s existing workflow and budget? 

In this post, we’ll share our 5 best-seller ECG machines and their advantages and disadvantages. Hopefully, this will allow you to carefully weigh which device ticks the most boxes on your list so you can get the most value for money.

Questions to Ask When Looking for an ECG Machine:

• • What are your department’s existing ECG management system, CVIS, and EMR system?

  • What will be easier for you and your team to manage and use – a PC-based or standalone ECG?

  • How thorough and detailed do you need the ECG data to be?

  • What are your non-negotiable features?

  • What is the better option in terms of budget?

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Welch Allyn CP 150 Compact Resting Electrocardiograph

Ease of Use:   Interoperability:    Warranty and Support: 

FEATURES:

Touchscreen Display with Optional Wi-Fi, DICOM, and Spirometry

PROS:

 ‣ 7” touchscreen LCD 

 ‣ QWERTY keypad 

 ‣ Stores up to 100 test results 

 ‣ Full-size printouts (8.25" x 11”) with a built-in printer 

 ‣ Included interpretive software

 ‣ Optional Wi-Fi, DICOM, and Spirometry

 ‣ Bidirectional communication with any DICOM-compatible platform

 ‣ Upgradable warranty coverage

CONS: 

 ‣ Does not work with barcode scanners

The Welch Allyn CP 150 is specifically designed to enhance connectivity and interoperability. It has a Wi-Fi option for hassle-free wireless results transfers and DICOM conformance for seamless two-way communication with EMRs and CVIS. With this option, you’ll be able to transfer worklist orders from EHR to the ECG device and share test results from the ECG device to the EHR to enhance workflow efficiency. Both configurations require a one-time additional fee.

The optional spirometry is a great feature for facilities looking to hit two birds with one stone, so to speak. It has features that let you stay on top of the test quality such as the lead connection quality detector and the ECG previews that let you verify test quality before printout. It also automatically detects pacemakers. 

The CP 150 ECG Device is covered with a standard 3-year manufacturer’s warranty. This can be upgraded to the Protection plan that provides more protection and services such as a loaner device in case the damaged unit needs to be sent for a factory repair. Hillrom has a 24/7 technical support hotline dedicated to diagnostic cardiology (1.800.535.6663) and over 140 service centers across the US. 

Documents:

• Brochure

• Spec Sheet

• Warranty Upgrades

Edan SE-1200 Express Basic 12-Channel Resting ECG Machine

Ease of Use:   Interoperability:   Warranty and Support: