The 12 lead EKG is a widely accepted medical standard for electrocardiogram administration in healthcare facilities across the United States and around the World. While the term ‘lead’ is often used loosely to refer to the cables that are attached to the body through which signals are transmitted to the monitoring device, it actually references the tracings that result due to voltage differentials. This can become a bit confusing considering that it is common to use ten cables to conduct a 12 lead EKG. The lead placement has been standardized in the US.

Electrode Number and Placement

The standard electrocardiogram uses ten cables that are connected to different parts of the patient’s body via a gel that conducts electricity and an adhesive pad. There is an electrode for the right arm (RA), left arm (LA), right leg (RL), left leg (LL), 2 for the fourth intercostal space on either side of the sternum … Click Here to Continue Reading