Cardiovascular Technologist how-to

How to Perform a 12-Lead EKG

Correct lead placement gives accurate results.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Correct lead placement gives accurate results. In short: explain; prepare; place, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Explain the test.

  2. Prepare skin.

  3. Place limb leads.

  4. Place chest leads in exact positions.

  5. Ask the patient to stay still.

  6. Record and review quality.

Safety reminders for cardiovascular technologists

  • Use radiation protection in the cath lab
  • Follow sterile technique
  • Use ergonomic scanning posture
  • Know emergency response procedures

EKG · Echocardiogram · Doppler · Stress test · Cath lab · Hemodynamics: see the full cardiovascular technologist glossary.

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