How to Record an
ECG
PREPARED BY : TURKI AL HABSHI
ECG recording
The ECG recording provides a clear step-by-
step approach to recording an ECG, with an
included video demonstration.
Gather equipment
ECG machine: to record the ECG.
Self-adhesive ECG electrodes: to attach the
ECG leads to the patient.
Razor: may be required to remove hair to
provide adequate electrode contact with the
skin.
Introduction
Wash your hands and don PPE if appropriate.
Introduce yourself to the patient including your name and
role.
Confirm the patient’s name and date of birth.
explain what the procedure will involve using patient-
friendly language
Gain consent to proceed with ECG recording.
Ask the patient to lay on the clinical examination couch with the
head of the couch at a 45° angle.
expose the patient’s chest for the procedure .
Exposure of the patient’s lower legs and wrists is also
necessary to apply the limb leads.
Electrode placement
Chest electrode and lead placement (V1
– V6)
Apply the six chest electrodes in the following locations:
V1: 4th intercostal space at the right sternal edge.
V2: 4th intercostal space at the left sternal edge.
V3: midway between the V2 and V4 electrodes.
V4: 5th intercostal space in the midclavicular line.
V5: left anterior axillary line at the same horizontal
level as V4.
V6: left mid-axillary line at the same horizontal level
as V4 and V5.
Limb electrode and lead
placement
Apply the four limb electrodes in the following
locations:
Red (RA): right forearm, proximal to the wrist
Yellow (LA): left forearm, proximal to the wrist
Green (LL): left lower leg, proximal to the ankle
Black (RL): right lower leg, proximal to the ankle
Note to remember “Ride Your Green Bike”
Recording the ECG trace
1. Turn the ECG machine on and ensure ECG paper has
been loaded into the machine.
2. Double-check all the electrodes are attached in the
appropriate locations.
3. Politely ask the patient to remain still and not talk
during the recording as muscle activity can interfere with
the ECG trace.
4. Press the appropriate button on the ECG machine to
record the ECG trace. If the ECG trace is poor, double-
check the connections to ensure there is good skin
contact.
To complete the procedure
Once an ECG trace has been obtained, switch off the ECG machine.
Detach the ECG leads from the electrodes and then remove the
electrodes carefully, warning the patient this may feel
uncomfortable.
Explain to the patient that the procedure is now complete.
Thank the patient for their time.
Label the ECG with the patient’s details: if it is systematic to load
to the shifa system
Name
Date of birth
Hospital number
Dispose of PPE and wash your hands.
Reference
https://geekymedics.com/record-ecg/
