Patient demographics should be entered into the ECG machine prior to recording the ECG. Demographics should include: patient name, DOB/age, gender, ethnicity and CHI number. The demographics will aid accurate interpretation. Any symptoms at the time of recording should be noted e.g. chest pain. Any deviation from standard lead positions should be noted e.g. electrode placed on upper thigh due to above knee amputation. Also note if patient was not in a supine position during recording.
Ensure accurate anatomical chest lead positions – ALWAYS measure the intercostal spaces before placing chest electrodes. Don’t guess as bodies vary. Measuring the intercostal spaces correctly, before commencing, reduces the variances in ECG reading although it can be challenging.
C1
Fourth intercostal space at right margin of sternum
C2
Fourth intercostal space at left margin of sternum
C3
Midway between position C2 and position C4
C4
Fifth intercostal space at junction of the left midclavicular line
C5
At horizontal level of position C4 at left anterior axillary line
C6
At horizontal level of position C4 at left midaxillary line
Pulse point
Remember, on your 12 lead ECG, chest leads C1-6 are annotated as V1-6 on the ECG recording.
Page last reviewed: 21 May 2020
