CORE 500™ ECG Troubleshooting

The CORE 500™ uses dry electrodes on the chestpiece, so a good ECG reading depends on skin contact. The lead indicator on the screen turns green with a check mark when contact is good—wait for it before you record. If the leads won't turn green or the trace looks noisy, work through the steps below.

Before you start

• Unplug the device. The CORE 500™ can't be used while charging.
• Make sure the device is connected to the Eko App and any offered firmware update is installed. If it won't connect, see CORE 500™ Bluetooth Troubleshooting.

Steps for a clear ECG signal

1. Use bare skin. ECG doesn't work over clothing (sound does).
2. Choose the right spot. Use the left upper sternal border—next to the left edge of the sternum between the 2nd and 3rd ribs—with the filter icon facing up. This gives the strongest signal.
3. Clean the contact points. Wipe the skin and the electrodes with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe (some are included in the box). Briskly rubbing the skin also helps.
4. Improve contact if needed. For dry skin, chest hair, or higher body fat, apply a small amount of ECG gel to the electrodes. On hairy areas, choose the least hairy spot or shave a small patch.
5. Press firmly and hold still. Apply even pressure and keep your fingers off the electrodes. A Y grip—device between your index and middle fingers—helps press all electrodes evenly.
6. Keep the patient still. Ask them to breathe normally and not talk during the reading.
7. Review in the app. Use the Eko App to view and interpret the full 3-lead ECG. The on-device screen is best for checking signal quality and heart rate. The device does provide a 1-lead ECG on the display.