General Information
Q01
What is an ECG/EKG?
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a simple, non-invasive, and painless test that records the electrical activity in your heart. ECGs are used to check for signs of heart disease.
Q02
What is the difference between a single lead (1-lead) and a 12-lead ECG?
A single-lead ECG is used for arrhythmia detection and basic heart monitoring. A 12-lead ECG is used to provide a comprehensive view of the heart and is the medical standard for screening and diagnosing various heart conditions. A 12-lead ECG is often used to detect or diagnose arrhythmias, heart attacks, drug effects on the heart, and many other heart diseases.
Q03
What is PCA 500?
PCA 500 is the first and only FDA-cleared, hospital quality 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) for professional and personal use. PCA 500 combines hospital grade accuracy, mobile technology, advanced software and cloud-based management to set a new standard in ECGs. Our ECG platform enables millions of patients to monitor their heart health from the comfort of their homes.
Q04
How does PCA 500 work?
PCA 500 connects to our prepositioned electrode strip and then pairs via bluetooth to a compatible smartphone or tablet. QT ECG, a free mobile app (downloadable on Apple Store or Google Play) allows you to record and upload your ECG to the secure cloud. Your physician can access your ECG remotely provide you with a report and suggest a course of action if needed. The PCA 500 provides unparalleled convenience, accessibility, and quality to cardiac care. For a quick video demonstrating how to use the device, please go to "How PCA Works?" under "For Patients" tab.
Q05
For whom is PCA 500 appropriate?
PCA 500 is intended for the millions of people who suffer from chronic heart disease. PCA 500 is mostly used for quick and accurate clarification of unclear symptoms and for the prevention of life-threatening events. For patients who just had surgery, a stent placed, or an ablation procedure, PCA 500 may be useful for follow up and detecting changes. It is also designed for home use by patients with chronic heart failure and arrhythmias. PCA 500 also has applications in preventive medicine. For more information about specific areas of application, visit "Add PCA to Your Practice" under "For Professionals" tab.
Q06
Can I conduct an ECG on myself using PCA 500?
PCA 500 is user-friendly and easy to apply. It can be used by patients themselves. For females, it is recommended to lie flat for the test. Therefore, for females and elderly patients, it is advised to have a trusted one to help.
Q07
How can my physician view my ECG recordings?
Once an ECG is recorded, it is automatically uploaded to the cloud and the ECG is almost instantly available for your physician to access and view from anywhere.
Q08
Is the PCA 500 available for purchase?
PCA 500 is currently a prescription-based device. Please consult your primary care physician or cardiologist to decide if PCA 500 can help you manage your disease or symptoms.
Q09
When should I clean my recorder?
It should be gently cleaned before every use with a soft cloth dampened with lukewarm soapy water or natural cleanser.
Q10
How should I clean my recorder?
To clean the recorder, dampen a soft cloth with lukewarm soapy water or natural cleanser and gently wipe down the recorder. The recorder should not be immersed in water under any circumstances.
Q11
Does PCA 500 continuously record my heart’s activity?
PCA 500 is not a continuous heart monitor. It is an on-demand resting 12-lead ECG. When a patient wishes to record an ECG, the patient can apply the strip and recorder and use a compatible tablet or smartphone to record an ECG which is then uploaded to the cloud.
Q12
Is PCA 500 covered by my insurance?
PCA 500 is currently not covered by medical insurance.
Q13
How long will it take to receive a diagnosis?
Physician interpretation time will vary depending on your physician. If you would like your physician to review your results quickly, please contact your physician’s office.
Q14
I have a pacemaker. Can I still use PCA 500?
Yes. PCA 500 is able to detect when there is a pacemaker present and it will not affect the quality of the ECG test.
Q15
I think I am having a medical emergency. Can PCA 500 be used in lieu of a trip to the Emergency
If you think you are having a medical emergency, please dial 911 immediately. PCA 500 should not be used in place of emergency medical assistance.
Q16
What’s the difference between ECG and EKG?
ECG and EKG are the same, both refer to electrocardiogram (or electrocardiograph), a medical test that is used for measuring the electrical activities of the heart, in order to detect heart diseases.
EKG is from the spelling of of elektrokardiogramm or elektrokardiographie in German.
Q17
What are the major parts of an ECG Machine?
A conventional 12-Lead ECG Machine contains 10 electrodes placed on chest and limbs for collecting signals, 10 lead wires, and a display for data analysis output.
Now, PCA 500 has incorporated all the parts into a super compact kit : An ECG recorder weighs only 2 ounces, patented prepositioned electrode strips, QT ECG App for mobile devices, and a HIPAA-compliant cloud with powerful tools for data analysis and management. Being portable without complex wires, PCA500 simplifies the 12-Lead ECG tests process that most people can complete a test with no need for training.
Q18
What are the different types of ECG?
There are 3 types of ECG in general use : Resting 12 Lead ECG, Exercise ECG and Holter Monitor. (Learn more)
Q19
How does an ECG Machine work?
To measure the electrical activity signals of the heart, the ECG recorder is used for acquiring and recording the signal. Through the signals collected from the electrodes placed on the skin, the data will be shown as a graph with patterns to detect small electrical changes. Doctors can use it to diagnose cardiac abnormalities including rhythm and structural changes of the heart.
Q20
Which type of ECG/EKG test is best for me?
It will depend on the professional advice by your physician, the doctors will suggest or request the patients to take a certain ECG according to their heart conditions and symptoms. (Learn more)