Socks or bare feet during ECG

Normally I have my socks on during ECG, only if it´s done during summer. Then I don´t wear any.

I never was told to take oof my socks for an ECG

It is entirely unnecessary to remove socks,shoes or gloves as the EKG leads can be hooked on above them. The leads can even be hooked to the shoulders and thighs. The only important thing is to stay still as movement produces artifact.

Yep, no reason to need to remove your socks for an e c g, but if socks off are your thing, go for it!

Socks on

Both being diabetic and knowing what grows on medical floors, I only take my socks off for the actual exam, not when my feet might be touching grunge.

Same as jds4med, only when asked specifically to take them off.

Definitely socks OFF

Even if it's not mandatory, I always ask bare feet when I perform an EKG (the evaluation of periferical blood circulation is a part of cardiovascular examination)

With regards to the lead placement for a 12 lead ECG, I was taught the following :

Electrode Placement

V1 4th Intercostal space to the right of the sternum

V2 4th Intercostal space to the left of the sternum

V3 Midway between V2 and V4

V4 5th Intercostal space at the midclavicular line

V5 Anterior axillary line at the same level as V4

V6 Midaxillary line at the same level as V4 and V5

RL Anywhere above the ankle and below the torso

RA Anywhere between the shoulder and the elbow

LL Anywhere above the ankle and below the torso

LA Anywhere between the shoulder and the elbow

So with regards to the RL and the LL leads they can be place any where on the legs above the ankles but below the torso. I was taught to place them just above the ankles bilaterally, as you respect the patients modesty instead of placing it higher. So for me it would be socks off for an ECG. When I worked in A&E it was standard practice have the patient remove their socks or the pantyhose/stockings or roll up their leggings to have the ECG performed.

With regards to female patients and bras I was taught to have them remove them. For the modestly inclined patient I always provide them with the opportunity of having a female nurse perform the ECG. With regards to men , especially those with abundant chest hair I was taught to shave the areas required for the chest lead placement, which can lead to some very unusual patterns on their chest.

In my clinical environment ITU as our patients are naked under their gowns this is not really and issue with regards to the socks or pantyhose/stockings.

Bare feet.. only in underwear. They were attached to ankles, chest, and arms.

I had an ECG on Tuesday and wasn't asked to remove my socks. The nurse just rolled them down a little at the top

Just branched out having got a handheld 12-lead. I usually do the EKG after the physical, so everyone so far has had socks off anyway.

Definitely down for EKG play, socks or not

In real life: socks on - my feet get cold so that's just my preference.

Play Exam: socks will already be off (along with all other clothing), so that is my play preference. Personally, my feet are a sensitive part of me, so it adds to the play exam personally.

In fairness, every ECG monitor is a little different, and in my experience socks have never been an issue with patient care. I will say, I work with mostly Lifepak 15 monitors and it is extremely important to have limb leads as far out as possible on the patient for voltage purposes when doing a 12 lead ECG. My practice is the limb leads always go on the inside of the calves and wrists unless artifact is a major issue.

It was always with socks on, except one time is was done during summer and I didn't wear socks

I am cold blooded - so sox are always on unless it's a foot inspection. Never recall being asked to remove my socks.

I think doing the cardio stuff they want your feet bare to check for pulse and swelling. If I am in for a procedure where they are putting me under they give me a pair of the socks with rubber soles. They are usually too small to fit my size 13's but that is usually the last thing on my mind!

Socks will not affect the results on an ECG as long as they aren't those newfangled "Copper-Fit" socks with copper thread woven into them.

What is the deal with "copper-fit socks" and "silver threaded underwear"? Is it sort of equivalent to wearing a copper bracelet - which really does nothing for you?

What is the deal with "copper-fit socks" and "silver threaded underwear"? Is it sort of equivalent to wearing a copper bracelet - which really does nothing for you?

Not sure about the copper, I think it is supposed to be good for arthritis but that might be a wives tale. The silver in underwear reacts with bacteria and kills it leading to much fresher chonies.

Not sure about the copper, I think it is supposed to be good for arthritis but that might be a wives tale. The silver in underwear reacts with bacteria and kills it leading to much fresher chonies.

I think it is simply good marketing.....new ways to sell more to gullible people at a higher price.

I think it is simply good marketing.....new ways to sell more to gullible people at a higher price.

Most likely true but silver is used in other ways to keep bacteria at bay.

Most likely true but silver is used in other ways to keep bacteria at bay.

I know that metal implants can attract bacteria. Sometimes people with knee replacements or other metal implants get infections years after they are inserted. The metal attracts bacteria and it sits there dormant for years, then if the immune system is compromised, they can become infected. Happened to my wife.

I know that metal implants can attract bacteria. Sometimes people with knee replacements or other metal implants get infections years after they are inserted. The metal attracts bacteria and it sits there dormant for years, then if the immune system is compromised, they can become infected. Happened to my wife.

Sounds pretty rare to me but it can happen. I have titanium in me and never had a problem with it. They have pretty specialized alloys and I don't think silver is used internally.

I've never even been asked to remove my shoes for an ECG. They just push my socks down a little if they're in the way.

I've never had an ECG but if a doctor ever made me remove my socks for ECG i would obey in no time. : )

The main thing is that the chest was naked)

I always ensure that I am bare foot for any exam

I am barefoot for ECG exam. Leads are put in the foot as well near ankle.