Outlines

Measurement & Application

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

MEASUREMENT AND ELECTRODE APPLICATION

01/2006

The expectations for safe and effective performance of this task are outlined in the EEG Practice Analysis, Domain II. The Measurement and Electrode Application section evaluates the candidate's:

1. Ability to accurately measure and apply electrodes according to the International 10-20 System (Domain II, T-1, T-2. T-3)
2. Quality of electrode application (Domain II, T-1, T-2, T-3)

The candidate is expected to completely measure a mannequin head and apply all required electrodes to the head within a 1-hour period.

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 to plug electrodes into. However, the candidate may bring one if (s)he desires. 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. At the end of the session, the candidate collects his/her supplies and leaves the examination room. 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 1 hour 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 International 10-20 System of electrode placement. Clearly mark the nasion, inion, Fpz, Oz, and preauricular points on the head. Skin preparation prior to application of electrodes is not required.

Apply the following disk electrodes to the head: Fp1, Fp2, F3, F4, C3, C4, P3, P4, O1, O2, F7, F8, T3, T4, T5, T6, Fz, Cz, Pz. Application of electrodes A1, A2, and ground is not required. 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. 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 1cm. Candidates are not allowed to bring study guides, charts, or other written documents into the exam session.

The candidate must bring the following supplies for the exam:

• 21 disk electrodes (needle electrodes and caps are not permitted)--19 electrodes for application, 2 extra. Electrodes need to be of similar size and metal type.
• Electrode paste (if not using collodion)
• Millimeter tape measure and other preferred measuring tools
• Application bottle or device (if using collodion)
• Gauze squares if used for application--Cotton balls and tape are not permitted for electrode application
• Rubber bands or clips for mannequin's hair, if desired
• Plastic bag labeled with your name for return of electrodes

ABRET provides washable markers for the exam. Other type of marking devices are 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.

This page last updated: August 21, 2008