ECG Patient Safety and Legal Standards Flashcards

Before performing an ECG, the technician must obtain:

Answer: Patient identification verification and verbal consent for the procedure

The technician must verify patient identity using two identifiers and explain the procedure to obtain the patient's informed consent before placing any electrodes.

The two-identifier rule for patient safety requires confirming:

Answer: Patient name and date of birth (or medical record number)

Joint Commission standards require using at least two patient identifiers (name and DOB, or name and MRN) before any procedure to prevent wrong-patient errors.

What is the purpose of the right leg (RL) electrode in ECG safety design?

Answer: Serves as the electrical ground/reference to reduce interference and protect patient

The RL electrode is the driven right leg circuit that acts as electrical ground, reducing common-mode interference and providing a safety reference to protect the patient.

Which standard governs the electrical safety requirements for ECG machines used in US hospitals?

Answer: Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) / IEC 60601 standard

AAMI/IEC 60601 standards specify patient safety requirements for medical electrical equipment, including maximum allowable leakage currents for ECG machines.

What is the maximum safe leakage current from an ECG machine to the patient?

Answer: 10 µA (microamperes) for applied part in cardiac floating connection

IEC 60601 limits patient auxiliary current (leakage) to 10 µA for cardiac floating-type connections, since even tiny currents can induce ventricular fibrillation if they reach the heart directly.

When should the ECG technician wash or sanitize their hands?

Answer: Before and after every patient contact, following standard precautions

Standard precautions require hand hygiene both before and after every patient encounter to prevent healthcare-associated infection transmission.