Instrumentation for electrodiagnostic studies

Abstract

The instrument and accessories are an important part of the electrodiagnostic (EDX) testing. Their functional understanding is useful to recognize and reduce various artifacts and noise/interference in the signal. In this review, we will describe the technical specifications of various components of the instrument, and their effect on signals and noise. This will be illustrated using example of electromyography and nerve conduction studies. However the same principles also apply to other modalities of testing. We will also provide general strategies to reduce noise and artifacts, followed by some modality specific examples.

Keywords: Amplifier; Artifacts; Averager; Electrodes; Filters; Impedance; Instrumentation; Noise; Stimulator.