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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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Exp 50 years

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Had Chest Pain, Did EKG Without Removing Underclothes. Accurate?

Recently went to the ER w/chest pains. Tech did not remove my bra (under wire) to do an EKG. Doctor says under his breath to him, "Dude, that's not the way to do an EKG.". Tech responds, "I didn't want to expose her, so yes, I can do it this way. " Doctor said nothing. Should I be concerned the EKG may not have accurate readings?
posted on Fri, 12 Apr 2013
Twitter Tue, 23 Apr 2013 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 24 Apr 2013 Last reviewed on
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,
Welcome to HCM,
There are definite anatomical places where every electrode should be placed and if it is necessary EKG Tech should expose just sufficiently to place electrode.
If your EKG is normal then you need not to worry as if there is anything abnormal doctor can always order repeat EKG with proper placement of Electrodes.
You know there are 12 leads out of which 6 are limb leads which give enough information only chest leads may show minor variation with placement.
Minor changes in placement of electrode will not make your EKG inaccurate.
Please do not worry about anything follow as doctor advised and you will be fine.
Take care.
Good Luck

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Had Chest Pain, Did EKG Without Removing Underclothes. Accurate?

Hi, Welcome to HCM, There are definite anatomical places where every electrode should be placed and if it is necessary EKG Tech should expose just sufficiently to place electrode. If your EKG is normal then you need not to worry as if there is anything abnormal doctor can always order repeat EKG with proper placement of Electrodes. You know there are 12 leads out of which 6 are limb leads which give enough information only chest leads may show minor variation with placement. Minor changes in placement of electrode will not make your EKG inaccurate. Please do not worry about anything follow as doctor advised and you will be fine. Take care. Good Luck