Electromyographic Technician

Measures electrical activity in peripheral nerves, using electromyograph (Emg) instrument, for use by physician in diagnosing neuromuscular disorders: Explains procedures to patient to obtain cooperation and relieve anxieties during test. Rubs electrode paste on patient's skin to ensure contact of electrodes. Attaches surface recording electrodes to extremity in which activity is being measured to detect electrical impulse. Attaches electrodes to electrode cables or leads connected to Emg instrument and selects nerve conduction mode on Emg. Operates Emg instrument to record electrical activity in peripheral nerves. Presses button on manually held surface stimulator electrode to deliver pulse and send electrical charge along peripheral nerve. Monitors response on oscilloscope and presses button to record nerve conduction velocity. Measures and records time and distance between stimulus and response, manually or using computer, and calculates velocity of electrical impulse in peripheral nerve. Removes electrodes from patient upon conclusion of test and cleans electrode paste from skin, using alcohol and cotton.