You rely on your electrocardiogram (EKG) to accurately record patients’ electrical heart signals. A good EKG machine can make the difference between effective treatments and missed opportunities.
Don’t take your EKG machine for granted. Know the signs that you should replace your EKG machine.
1. Inconsistent Readings
If you must repeatedly calibrate your machine or if it gives inconsistent results, it’s time for new equipment. If your machine fails to read electronic signals, replace it with an accurate device. Inaccurate results cause problems for healthcare providers trying to create a treatment or intervention plan for patients, so it’s important to deal with this issue.
2. Printing Issues
If your EKG is printing incorrect values, it’s probably time for a new machine. But if the printer itself has issues, you generally need to buy a new machine because the printer cannot be replaced as an individual piece. So, if your printouts look strange, with blotchy or faded ink, or if you experience paper jams, it might be time to replace your EKG machine.
3. Power Issues
If the EKG machine powers down during a test, the patient will have to restart the test from the beginning. This costs valuable time for everyone involved and is a good sign you should replace your EKG machine.
Check the power cord to make sure it’s in a straight position. But if this doesn’t solve the problem, you might need to purchase a new EKG machine. Just as with the printer, you often can’t replace just one specific part.
4. Outdated Equipment
If your EKG is more than a few years old, it may no longer provide accurate results or the level of details that you need. Advancements in technology make it easier to obtain meaningful data with newer EKG machines. While it’s unrealistic to upgrade each time a new version comes out, regularly updating your equipment increases the quality of healthcare you provide.
5. Damaged Parts
Check the EKG machine daily to ensure all parts are functioning properly. If you catch problems early, you can sometimes replace worn-out components. But if you notice multiple damaged parts, such as cracks in the display or casing, or severe damage, it might be time to replace the whole machine.
For example, damaged lead wires can result in inaccurate readings and even shock people they touch. Damaged wires could fail to pick up heart problems and should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid any accidents.
Replace Your EKG Machine With All States M.E.D.
All States M.E.D. carries a large selection of EKG machines for sale that make it easy for you to provide your patients quality care. Contact All States M.E.D. if you have any questions or need to replace your machine.