This study evaluated whether different methods of preparing the skin before a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) affect the recorded ECG wave amplitudes. Healthy adult volunteers underwent four consecutive ECG recordings using dry skin, drinking-quality tap water, 70% isopropyl alcohol, and electroconductive gel as electrode preparation methods. The study compared R-wave amplitudes obtained with these four methods and also evaluated whether sex and body mass index (BMI) were associated with differences in ECG amplitude.
This prospective, within-subject comparative study was conducted in healthy adult volunteers. The study was designed to evaluate the effects of different electrode preparation methods on R-wave amplitudes recorded during standard 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG). Each participant underwent four consecutive 12-lead ECG recordings under standardized conditions. The electrode preparation methods were dry skin, drinking-quality tap water, 70% isopropyl alcohol, and commercial electroconductive gel. New disposable Ag/AgCl electrodes were used for each recording. Electrode positions were maintained throughout the study, and approximately one minute elapsed between consecutive recordings. R-wave amplitudes were measured in all 12 ECG leads after completion of data collection. ECG recordings were anonymized before measurement, and the investigators performing the measurements were blinded to the electrode preparation method. In addition to comparing R-wave amplitudes among the four preparation methods, the study evaluated the associations of sex and body mass index with ECG amplitude and assessed agreement between 70% isopropyl alcohol and electroconductive gel.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
96
Participants underwent four consecutive standard 12-lead ECG recordings under four electrode preparation conditions: dry skin (no preparation), drinking-quality tap water, 70% isopropyl alcohol, and commercial electroconductive gel. The conditions were applied in a fixed sequence. New disposable Ag/AgCl electrodes were used for each recording, and the skin was allowed to dry completely before the subsequent preparation method was applied.
Department of Emergency Medicine
Tokat Province, Tokat Province, Turkey (Türkiye)
R-Wave Amplitude Across Electrode Preparation Methods
R-wave amplitude was measured in all 12 ECG leads (I, II, III, aVR, aVL, aVF, and V1-V6) under each of the four electrode preparation conditions: dry skin, drinking-quality tap water, 70% isopropyl alcohol, and electroconductive gel. R-wave amplitude was defined as the vertical distance from the isoelectric baseline to the peak of the R wave and was measured in millimeters (mm).
Time frame: During the study visit, across four consecutive ECG recordings approximately 1 minute apart, assessed over approximately 7 minutes.
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