Question
What should a clinician consider when prepping a patient for evoked potentials?
Answer
When prepping for any evoked potential, a critical element to look at is the testing environment. Frequently, issues are related to noise with an evoked potential. Here are some tips to help you cut back on the amount of noise:
- The preamp should not be near the isolation transformer, monitor, etc.
- Turn off unnecessary computer monitors.
- Do not have the preamp in front of the monitor.
- If possible use a designated outlet.
- If the patient is in a chair that plugs in – unplug it.
- Assure wall outlet is grounded.
- Do not use cellular phones during testing.
- Turn off fluorescent light(s).
- Do not have the dimmer switch set in the middle position.
This Ask the Expert is an excerpt from the text course, Evoked Potentials Part 1: Good Practice and Auditory Brainstem Response. For more information please visit please visit www.otometrics.com or the Otometrics Partner Page on AudiologyOnline.
