Identify the rationale behind ordering a 3lead 5lead or 12le

Identify the rationale behind ordering a 3-lead, 5-lead, or 12-lead ECG monitor by the attending physician. Apart from the cost, indicate other reasons for the decision.

Solution

ECG machines means electrocardiography machines, There are different types of ECG means depending on their special features. The main purpose of these machines is to check cardio abnormalities but can vary in size and functionality. Fundamentally taking they differ each other to the extent of data they capture and record information. In ECG machines corresponding to the patients heart beat (which is being sensed or recorded by the machine) an electric signal is generated, which is monitored at particular time intervals.

Different types of ECG machines:-

3-lead ECG machines:-

In this type of machine there are 4 electrodes placed on each of the limbs, which produces data corresponding to the heart beat of the patient. It is the basic machine which gives information for the heart beats or corresponding electric signals online. It does not gives out the print out copy for the scan or the output electrical signal print. These signals can be seen only on the monitors. Cost for such machines are around $300-500.

5-lead ECG machines:-

In this type of machine there are 5 electrodes, 4 electrodes out of 5 are placed on each of the limbs, which produces data corresponding to the heart beat of the patient. It is the little advance machine which gives information for the heart beats or corresponding electric signals online. It also does not gives out the print out copy for the scan or the output electrical signal print. These signals can be seen only on the monitors. These machines are generally used in major heart surgeries. These machines are mostly installed in ambulances. Cost for such machines are around $500-600.

12-lead ECG machine:-

It is the standard ECG machine widely being used for medical diagnostics. This has 10 electrodes for ECG monitoring. 10 electrodes are provided with color coding wires. 6 electrodes are placed on chest and other 4 are placed on limbs. It can take readings more efficiently and can provide the output of electrical signal with a printed copy. One more interesting features for this machine is, its 12 electrodes records 12 different electrical signals at around the same time. It is most preferred for diagnosis of heart attack.

Now a days machines are equipped with inbuilt memories for the storage of large amount of data. cost for thes 12-lead machine is around $700-800