Outlines

Evoked Potential Application and Identification

American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists, Inc
Oral and Practical Examination for EEG Registration

05/2008

The Application and Identification section evaluates the candidate's ability to accurately identify, measure and apply scalp electrodes, identify peripheral recording and stimulation sites; and list appropriate recording parameters and montages.

PART 1
The examination begins as soon as the candidate enters the examination room. At the start of the exam, the candidate is expected to arrange the mannequin and supplies in a manner most comfortable for measurement and application, then measure the head and apply electrodes. A headbox is not provided or needed. However, the candidate may bring one if desired. The mannequin head sits in a stand and must remain in the stand for electrode measurement and application. The candidate needs to treat the mannequin head as if it were a real patient making sure the electrode application is neat; no collodion or paste on the face, no wires dangling over the face, no tape in the hair, nor pins in the head, etc. There is no inion on the mannequin head. The candidate is expected to utilize techniques normally employed when a patient with no discernible inion is encountered in their own laboratory. The candidate does not remove electrodes before leaving. Examiners measure and assess the mannequin electrode placements, remove the electrodes, and return the electrodes to the candidate after the testing session. The candidate is responsible for making prudent use of the 60 minute time period. An examiner is not in the room the entire time during measurement and application but makes frequent checks throughout the session.

In order to pass the examination, the candidate is required to do the following: Measure the mannequin head using the washable marker provided by ABRET, according to the ACNS Guidelines. Clearly mark the nasion, inion, and preauricular points on the head. Skin preparation prior to application of electrodes is not required.

Apply the following disk electrodes to the head: Fpz, MF, CP3, CP4, Cz, CPz, MO, RO, LO, A1, A2, or M1, M2. Both paste and collodion electrode applications work well on the mannequin head. Electrode application needs to be complete and anatomically correct. Electrodes should be securely attached to the head, without significant spread of paste or collodion. Needle electrodes are not permitted. The impedance check is not required. Insertion of electrolyte into collodion-applied disk electrodes is not required. Obtain electrode placement measurement values with symmetry of homologous and corresponding areas within 1 cm. The candidate will be required to apply the appropriate ground on the volunteer for SSEP median nerve and SSEP posterior tibial nerve stimulation.

PART 2
The candidate will be required to locate, identify and label peripheral recording electrodes and stimulation sites, including appropriate ground placement on a volunteer patient. The following recording and stimulation sites must be identified; C5S, EPi, EPc, IC, T12, PF, PF reference, median nerve anode and cathode stimulation site, posterior tibial nerve anode and cathode stimulate site, and appropriate ground sites. The candidate will be required to produce a median nerve and posterior tibial nerve twitch using a hand held stimulator provided by ABRET.

PART 3
The candidate will be required to complete a montage worksheet and a stimulus and recording parameter worksheet for all four modalities. Responses should be based on ACNS Guidelines.

The candidate must bring the following supplies for the exam:

• A minimum of 15 electrodes for application is recommended. Needle electrodes are not permitted. Electrodes need to be of similar size and metal type.
• Electrode paste (if not using collodion)
• Millimeter tape measure or other preferred measuring tools
• Application bottle or device (if using collodion)
• Gauze squares if used for application-Cotton balls are not permitted
• Rubber bands or clips for mannequin's hair, if desired
• Plastic bag labeled with their name for return of electrodes

ABRET provides washable markers for the exam. Other type of marking devices is not allowed.

Federal Aviation Regulations prohibit carrying flammable materials on airplanes. Collodion, collodion remover, and compressed air are available at all exam sites.

Mannequins are provided by ABRET at the exam site. However, if you wish to purchase a mannequin for practice prior to taking the exam, you may do so. ABRET purchases its mannequins (named Samuel) from Pivot Point. Information can be obtained by calling Pivot Point at 1-800-886-4247 ext. 399.

This page last updated: August 21, 2008