Effects of Electrode Preparation on 12-Lead ECG R-Wave Amplitudes

This study evaluated whether different methods of preparing the skin before a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) affect the recorded ECG wave amplitudes. Healthy adult volunteers underwent four consecutive ECG recordings using dry skin, drinking-quality tap water, 70% isopropyl alcohol, and electroconductive gel as electrode preparation methods. The study compared R-wave amplitudes obtained with these four methods and also evaluated whether sex and body mass index (BMI) were associated with differences in ECG amplitude.