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October 2001

Electrocardiographs, Single-Channel
Scope of this Product Comparison
This Product Comparison covers single-channel electrocardiographs that record the electrocardiogram (ECG) from one lead configuration at a time. Both battery- and line-powered units are included. Electrocardiographs that can record on a single channel or on three or more channels (multichannel) are also covered, as are single-channel units that perform ECG waveform analysis as an optional feature only. Single-channel telephone ECG transmitter/receiver systems have been excluded, although many of the electrocardiographs included in this report can be interfaced with them. For additional information on ECG recording and monitoring, see the following Product Comparisons: • Defibrillators, External, Manual; Defibrillator/ Pacemakers, External • Electrocardiographs, Multichannel; Interpretive • Physiologic Monitoring Systems, Acute Care; Neonatal; ECG Monitors • Physiologic Monitoring Systems, Telemetric; ECG Monitors, Telemetric • Recorders, Electrocardiography; Scanners, ECG

Purpose
Electrocardiographs detect the electrical signals associated with cardiac activity and produce an ECG, a graphic record of the voltage versus time. Single-channel electrocardiographs are used to diagnose cardiac abnormalities, determine a patient’s response to drug therapy, and reveal trends or changes in heart function. Single-channel electrocardiographs record and print reports of electrical activity from only one lead configuration (one set of electrodes) at a time, although they receive electrical signals from as many as 12 leads. Leads are recorded in a sequence that can be operator selected and/or automatically determined. ECGs are used to diagnose and assist in treating arrhythmias and some types of heart disease. They differ from ECG monitors, which are designed to provide a continuous display of the ECG waveform and other physiologic measurements on a screen and warn of potentially