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Best 12 Lead ECG Machines in the UK (Portable and PC)

What is a 12 Lead ECG Machine? 

An ECG or EKG (electrocardiogram) machine records the rate, rhythm and electrical activity of a heart. It’s used to help to detect heart problems such as, an irregular heartbeat, a heart attack (myocardial infarction), an enlarged heart or coronary heart disease.

They are also used to monitor the health of someone who already has a diagnosed heart condition or is taking medications that can affect the heart e.g. beta-blockers.

12 lead ECG machines show different angles of the heart – six connectors are attached to the chest skin around the heart and the remaining four on the arms and legs. Best practice and Correct ECG electrode placement is essential to ensure a false diagnosis is not taken. 

What are ECG machines used for? 

An ECG machine is a common and relatively simple test that is used by medical professionals to check a patient's heart's rhythm and electrical activity. Sensors are attached to the skin and detect the electrical signals produced by the heart each time it beats to monitor and identify potential health problems in patients. They are also used as helpful machines in monitoring the health of someone who already has a diagnosed heart condition or is taking medications that can affect the heart. 

What medical conditions do ECG machines detect? 

Though an ECG machine can be essential in detecting potential heart problems and medical conditions in patients, medical practitioners will combine a number of tests to diagnose a condition in a patient. Below are examples of some common conditions that an ECG machine is used to help detect.

  • Arrhythmia - A condition in which the heartbeat is not normal, for example, it can be too slow, too fast or irregular. There are several different types of Arrhythmia and each condition will need to be diagnosed through various testing by medical professionals. The most common type of Arrhythmia is known as atrial fibrillation (AF) where the heart is beating irregularly or too fast. However, other variations of the condition include supraventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, heart block and ventricular fibrillation (rare). The ECG machine can help identify this potential condition if it is used on patients frequently to monitor their heart rhythm, and where test results show a potentially abnormal rhythm, then further investigations can be made to identify the underlying cause.
  • Coronary heart disease - This is where the heart's blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances in the coronary arteries which causes the artery walls to contain fatty deposits (known as atherosclerosis). This process can be caused due to a variety of factors, including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. An ECG machine could help to detect an abnormal heartbeat and electrical patterns caused by a blocked or interrupted blood supply to the heart. Other tests used to help diagnose the condition include a blood test or MRI scan.
  • Heart Attacks - A medical emergency where the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot. An ECG machine can detect if a patient has experienced, currently is experiencing, or could be at risk of a heart attack. It can monitor abnormal electrical patterns to suggest if the heart lacks oxygen. If you suspect someone is having a heart attack, you must call 999 immediately for emergency medical attention. 

How does an ECG machine work?

There are different types of ECG machines which work differently from one another. However, usually, the machine has small sensors (called electrodes) connected to it through wires. These sensors are sticky and attached to the arms, legs and chest of a patient. The test is then started by the medical professional and it generally will take a few minutes to complete. The medical professional will read the results and decide what are the best next steps. There are also portable ECG machines to help ensure they are accessible in various medical practices and facilities.

Where are ECG machines used?

ECG machines are used internationally by all types of medical professionals from GPs and nurses to paramedics. In the UK, every hospital has access to an ECG machine and they are used often to carry out tests on inpatients and outpatients. They are generally used on patients suspected to have heart problems, suffering from a heart attack, or whose health status may not be well known to medical staff.

Ambulances also are likely to have access to an ECG machine. The British Heart Foundation funded research into heart attacks where they reported that an ECG test by ambulance crews on suspected heart attack patients could help save lives. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Surrey, identified a positive link between the survival of heart attack patients and the use of an electrocardiogram (ECG machines) by ambulance crews. Researchers analysed data from nearly half a million adults admitted to hospitals in England and Wales with a heart attack, looking into which adults were given an ECG test in ambulances and those who were not.

Results showed that the number of patients who died within 30 days of being admitted to hospital was significantly lower when an ECG test had been carried out by ambulance crews. The study also found that a third of patients admitted to hospital with a heart attack were being given an ECG test in an ambulance. The research concludes that if a patient is suspected to be having a heart attack, an ECG test before they reach hospital could potentially help save the person’s life. The study further showcases the importance of using ECG monitors on patients suffering from suspected heart problems, and the need for them to be accessible to all medical professionals.

The top ECG machines for medical professionals

Here, we’ve highlighted a selection of portable and PC based 12 Lead ECG machines, including price and features, so you can compare products with ease and make the best possible purchase for you or your practices’ needs. 

Best Portable 12 Lead ECG Machine

GE MAC 600 Portable Resting ECG Machine

Technical Specifications:

  • ECG interpretation:  Marquette® 12SL™ ECG Analysis Program for Adults and Pediatrics

  • Computerised measurements:  12-lead analysis

  • ECG analysis frequency:  500 samples/second

  • Digital sampling rate:  2,000 samples/second/channel

  • ECG on-screen preview:  On-screen preview of acquired 10-second ECG waveform

  • Dynamic range:  AC Differential ± 5mV, DC offset ±300 mV

  • Resolution:  4.88 μV/LSB @ 500 sps

  • Frequency response:  –3 dB @ 0.01 to 150 Hz

  • Low cut-off frequency:  0.01 Hz, 0.02 Hz, 0.16 Hz or 0.32 Hz (-3 dB limits)

  • High cut-off frequency:  Configurable at 20 Hz, 40 Hz, 100 Hz or 150 Hz

  • Adaptive AC filter:  47 Hz to 53 Hz when set to 50Hz, 57 Hz to 63 Hz when set to 60 Hz

  • Common mode rejection:  >100 dB (with AC filter switched on)

  • Input impedance:  >10MΩ @ 10 Hz, defibrillator protected

  • Patient leakage:  <10 μA

  • Heart rate meter: 30 to 300 BPM ±10% or ±5 BPM

  • Start-up time: Less than 7 seconds

Purchasing Information:

About the GE MAC 600 Portable Resting ECG Machine

What sets the GE MAC 600 apart from the rest is that when paired with the Marquette® 12SL ECG analysis programme, you’re presented with the most accurate automated interpretation in existence. It’s also a winner for busy GP surgeries wanting to perform ECG’s where a PC may not be readily available, and community nurses required to use portable ECG devices for domiciliary visits.

Like all of the machines listed, it includes Intelligent Integration Interface (I3) software that automatically files a high quality ECG report (as a PDF) and a coded result to the patient's record on test completion.

This high performance and portable ECG can be monitored on the large colour screen and ‘Hook Up Advisor’ indicates the quality of the ECG signal from every lead to ensure acquisition of a high quality ECG. ECG’s can be printed out immediately using the integral printer or stored in the memory for batch printing.

If the use of unencrypted SD cards is not permitted at your practice then you will need to use the MAC 600 with the CardioSoft ECG Software at an additional cost. Please contact our sales team if you require any further information.

You’ll also receive with your purchase 100 Ambu SUPAtab ECG electrodes, 10 Ambu crocodile clips and a protective hard carry case.

Features:

  • 1 year integration (EMIS, TPP SystmOne and Vision included)

  • 1 year MediServe Support 

  • Hook up advisor

  • GE Marquette 12SL

  • 5 year warranty

Best PC 12 Lead ECG Machines

Schiller Cardiovit CS-104 PC Based Resting ECG System

Technical Specifications:

  • Operating System: Windows 7 Professional (64-bit) or Windows 10 (64-bit)

  • Processor: Dual-core, 1 GHz or faster, Intel Core 2 Duo

  • Free Working Memory (RAM): Minimum 1 GB

  • Hard Disk Space: Minimum 20 GB (64-bit). 100 GB free space recommended (an average ECG recording uses 60MB)

  • Graphics Card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver, minimum AMD Radeon HD 3200 or NVIDIA GeForce 9400

  • Screen Resolution: Min 1280 x 1024, recommended 1920 x 1200

  • USB: One free USB port is required

MS-12 USB Recorder Specifications 

  • Height/Width//Depth: 95 x 62 x 14 mm

  • Weight: 140 gm including USB cable

  • USB cable for PC connection, unit power, and data transmission - 2.5 metre cable length

  • Illuminated light blue indicating PC connection (and data transmission). Blinking light blue indicating button is active.

  • Fully floating and isolated, defibrillation protected (only with original SCHILLER patient cable), type CF.

  • Complies with: IEC standard 60601-2-25 and ANS/I/AAMI EC11

Purchasing Information:

About the Schiller Cardiovit CS-104 PC System

Another compact and lightweight PC based system with features that aim to simplify and speed up the ECG acquisition process for busy GP practices. 

Schiller Cardiovit CS-104 compact, mobile and lightweight PC based 12 lead ECG system. 

The Lead Reversal Detection system on the CS-104 indicates the misplacement of electrodes pre-acquisition, and the hook up advisor feature helps to highlight loose or disconnected leads with a 'traffic light' signal quality indicator.

Whilst the Resting Rhythm feature allows you to record a rhythm strip for up to 20 minutes, and the hub can be used to acquire an ECG from the monitoring screen, meaning the clinician can remain close to the patient while taking the ECG. The advanced ETM Algorithm is a high quality and accurate algorithm for ECG interpretation.

You’ll also receive with your purchase a 5 Metre USB Extension Cable, 100 Ambu SUPAtab ECG electrodes, 10 Ambu crocodile clips and a padded weave transit case.

Once again, this EGC system uses I3 software that automatically files a high quality ECG report (as a PDF) and coded results to the patient's record on test completion.

Features:

  • 1 year integration (EMIS, TPP SystmOne and Vision included)

  • 1 year MediServe Support 

  • Hook up advisor

  • Lead Reversal Detection

  • Resting Rhythm feature

  • 3 year warranty

QRS Universal Smart ECG PC Based Resting ECG System

Technical Specifications:

  • Safety Standards: Complies with AAMI EC11, IEC/ EN60601-1, IEC/EN 60601-1-2, IEC/EC 60601-225

  • Hub Weight:  335 grams maximum

  • Hub Dimensions:  85 x 91 x 20 mm

  • Patient Leads Length:  Limb (1m), Chest (0.6m)

  • Gain/Sensitivity:  5,10,20 mm/mV

  • Input Range:  ±6mV

  • Defibrillator Protection:  Patient leads are isolated from system and operator, with 4kV protection

  • Electrode Connections:  4mm banana plug with tab or snap connectors

  • Frequency Response:  0.05 to 175Hz ±3dB

  • Environmental Conditions:  Operating Temp (0-40°C), Storage Temp (-20-70°C), Humidity (<85%) (non- condensing)

  • PC Requirements: 

    • Operating System: Windows 10 (64 bit), Hard Disk Space: 100MB

    • Graphics: Minimum 1024x768 resolution

    • USB: One free USB port is required

Purchasing Information:

About the QRS Universal Smart ECG PC Based Resting ECG System

If you’re looking for an easy to use, portable ECG device that plugs directly into any PC, then the QRS Universal Smart system is for you!

This lightweight system is ideal for primary care ECG clinics or a GP Surgery on a limited budget and is supplied with a 3 year warranty. It is supplied with all the required software and accessories and includes a one year MediServe support package to ensure that your service continues to run smoothly. 

Using the included Intelligent Integration Interface (I3) software, results to the patient’s medical records automatically (and copy of the report and a Read code), eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing appointment time.

You’ll also receive with your purchase the CardioView interpretive software, 100 Ambu SUPAtab ECG electrodes, 10 Ambu crocodile clips and a padded weave transit case.

Universal ECG is also compatible with the ECG On-Demand with i3 ECG interpretation service from Technomed. This system includes a one year MediServe Support package to ensure that your service continues to run smoothly. 

Features:

  • 1 year integration (EMIS, TPP SystmOne and Vision included)

  • 1 year MediServe Support cover

  • 3 year manufacturer's warranty

  • Unlimited installations

  • USB power supply

  • 7 metre cable length

GE CardioSoft PC Based 12 Lead Resting ECG System

Technical Specifications:

  • Microprocessor: Minimum Pentium® 4 class processor with 2 GHz

  • RAM: Minimum 2 GB

  • Hard Drive: Minimum 80 GB and 4 GB of free space if used as a standalone system DVD-ROM drive or USB

  • Software installation: DVD-ROM drive or USB

  • Pointer: Mouse

  • Display resolution: Minimum: 1280 x 768, Maximum: 3840 x 2160

  • Interfaces: Minimum: 2 USB ports (1.1, 2.0, or 3.0) for each device using this type of interface, CD-RW, SD card, network interface card (recommended), Serial RS232 for each device using this interface type

  • Operating system: Windows® 10 Enterprise (64 bit) Windows 10 Professional (64 bit), Windows 8.1 Enterprise (64 bit), Window 8.1 Pro (64 bit), Windows 7 Professional (64 bit) with SP1

  • Printer: Equivalent to HP® P3015dn (Customer Supplied)

  • Networking LAN: Wired and Wireless: 802.11 G (optional) TCP/IP interface

  • Citrix®: itrix XenDesktop/XenApp 7.13 (Desktop Virtualization and/or Application Virtualization) without data acquisition (dedicated network bandwidth required) on Windows 7; Professional (64 Bit), Windows 8.1 Pro (64-bit), Windows 8.1 Enterprise (64 Bit), Windows 10 Pro (64-bit), Windows 10 Enterprise (64 Bit)

Purchasing Information:

Price: £2,650 exc vat (licence cost applies)

Purchase: GE CardioSoft PC Based 12 Lead Resting ECG System

About the GE CardioSoft PC Based 12 Lead Resting ECG System

A high quality, lightweight and easy to uses PC Based 12 Lead ECG System with CAM Connect 14 ECG system and CardioSoft PC software package, compatible with the ECG On-Demand with i3 ECG interpretation service from Technomed.

The CardioSoft software can be installed on as many consulting room computers as required. For domiciliary visits, CardioSoft can also be installed on a laptop computer.

You’ll also receive 100 Ambu SUPAtab ECG electrodes, 10 Ambu crocodile clips and a protective hard carry case.

On site installation and training also available. Please call 0114 243 3896 to discuss the available options.

Features: 

  • 1 year integration (EMIS, TPP SystmOne and Vision included)

  • 1 year MediServe Support cover

  • 7 metre cable length

  • GE Marquette 12SL ECG Analysis

  • Hook Advisor

Read more about 12 Lead ECG Machine including FAQs and how to place ECG leads.

You can purchase directly from Numed Healthcare today. 

Contact Us

To discuss your specific needs in more detail, please contact us using this form. Please contact us at the below telephone number and email address if you have any questions, or want to know more about Numed’s ECG products. 

Call: 0114 2433896

Email: info@numed.co.uk