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FAQ

FAQ

Below you will find the most common questions and answers related to the waveguard connect caps.

Q: How many times can a waveguard connect cap be used?
A: The number of times that a cap can be used with all electrodes intact and without compromising signal quality depends upon many factors. Careful handling and thorough cleaning are most important. The electrode sensors, the fabric along with all other parts and materials have been selected and designed to reach more than 500 cycles of recording and cleaning.

Q: What is the main difference between Tin(Sn) and Ag/AgCl electrodes?
A: When selecting sensor material for EEG electrodes, most important aspect is its ability to withstand corrosion and preserve its conductance. Tin and Ag/AgCl-Electrodes have been widely used in the clinical and research areas with overall good longevity and signal quality. However, tin electrodes tend to attenuate low frequencies more than Ag/AgCl electrodes (Picton, Lins, & Scherg, 1995) . Other sources have found no difference between these two electrodes especially for measuring ERPs and SCPs (Polich and Lawson, 1985). It is widely agreed, that the filtering caused by the electrode is no more severe than the typical filter setting of an EEG amplifier (Picton et al. 1995). Either tin or Ag/AgCl electrodes are adequate for clinical use, but Ag/AgCl may be preferred when very slow potentials are being recorded. 

Q: What is the advantage of a cap with pre-positioned electrodes over loose electrodes?
A: The pre-positioned electrodes are positioned following the international standard 10/20-System. This is the most usual montage setting and covers the frequently used electrode positions. Due to the pre-positioned electrodes in waveguard connect, the time for preparing each patient is significantly reduced. The waveguard connect electrodes are covered by two fabric layers to guarantee best protection for the electrode body and cables. It increases the longevity of the whole electrode system and saves cost and reduce waste due to less frequent purchasing of equipment supply.

Q: Can the electrodes be removed from the cap?
A: The pre-positioned electrodes of waveguard are covered by two fabric layers to guarantee best protection for the electrode body and cables. The electrodes can be manually removed, but then the warranty would forfeit. In case an electrode is not required, please deactivate these electrode channels in the recording and/or analysis software.

Q: Is the cap clinically tested?
A: The waveguard EEG cap are compliant to the international standards for medical devices. The waveguard EEG cap is a medical device CE marked according to EU regulation. In the USA, waveguard EEG caps have FDA 510(k) clearance and in Canada waveguard caps are registered as medical device according to the C-MDR.

Q: Which electrode layouts/ montages are available?
A: waveguard connect is available in 2 layouts with either 21 channels (conventional ten twenty layout) or 25 channels (IFCN compliant extended ten-twenty layout).

Application

Q: How to apply the cap?
A: The application of the waveguard cap follows five essential steps:
1)    Preparing the patient
2)    Positioning the cap
3)    Fixating of the cap
4)    Connecting the cap to EEG recording system
5)    Applying gel and checking impedances

Watch the video guide on how to apply the waveguard connect EEG caps

Q: How long does it take to apply a waveguard connect cap?
A: The application time depends greatly on the number of EEG channels that need to be recorded. Normally, gelling each electrode will take approximately 20 seconds. The whole process of patient preparation, putting on the 23-channel cap and gelling it, should take maximum 10 minutes.

Q: Which conductive gel do you recommend to use and why?
A: We recommend using the OneStep Cleargel as it allows to achieve the optimal conductivity of the electrodes. It does not contain either fat or alcohol or colorings and it is easy to remove. Additionally it has a neutral odor for greater acceptance by users and patients. Other Ag/AgCl and Tin(Sn) compatible gels can be used too.

Q: What do I need for an EEG recording

Preparation for an EEG recording video 


 

Connection to EEG systems

Q: How to connect a waveguard connect cap to a third-party system?
A: The waveguard caps are compatible with all major EEG amplifiers used in clinical environment such as Nicolet or Mitsar. The waveguard connect EEG caps come with a default D-SUB 25 connector. D-SUB to single point touch-proof adapter can be additionally purchased enabling interfacing to third-party amplifier head-boxes.
 

Recording

Q: How can I check if the electrodes are working properly?
A: Before starting the recording, please check whether all electrodes are functioning properly. A well-functioning electrode will correctly record the EEG signal with low impedance and high Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR). Both parameters can be easily checked in EEG recording software.

Q: How long can I record data without re-gelling the subject?
A: Once the gel is applied, there is no need to re-gel the subject for at least 6 hours. 

Q: Is it possible to re-gel the electrodes during the experiment?
A: Yes, it is always possible to re-gel, however, it is necessary to pause the recording in order to avoid any needle related artefacts or electrode movement artefacts.

Q: How long can I record with a waveguard connect cap?
A: As the cap is made of breathable fabric and flexible electrode rings, it assures optimal comfort even in long recordings. The maximal recommended duration of a single recording is 6 hours. 
 

Cleaning and maintenance

Q: How to disinfect the cap?
A: Make sure that the cap is adequately cleaned prior to the disinfection procedure.
Examples of disinfectant solutions that are known to work satisfactory are:

  • Cidex OPA (by Advanced Sterilization Products) 
  • Metricide, Cavicide (by Metrex)
  • and Korsolex Extra (by BODE Chemie).

Above liquids are considered high-level disinfectants, whereas for your normal clinical use a ‘lower-level’ product may suffice. Please consult with your local infection-control officer about possible alternative products or allowances in e.g. reduced concentration levels and/or shorter submerging times for the caps. Other than this, the disinfectant’s instructions for use and rinsing must be followed strictly at all times. Plastic parts, such as labels, flex-rings and the fabric, may bleach slightly over time. This is normal and does not interfere with the normal usage of the cap. The use of disinfectant may slightly reduce the normal lifespan of the caps. 

Please note that alcohol is not an adequate solution for disinfecting electrodes. The local and hospital regulations for cleaning should not be neglected in the process and must be followed. For questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Q: Can the cap connectors get wet?
A: The connectors must not get in contact with water under any circumstances. Avoid any moisture near the connectors in order to completely prevent possible short-circuits or corrosion. In the event that you need to clean the connectors, use a cotton stick slightly damp with alcohol (do NOT use this on the electrodes).

Q: How long does a waveguard cap need to dry?
A: We recommend to dry the waveguard cap in a non-humid room with a table fan with a fence, over which you can suspend the cap. With a constant air stream, the drying time can be reduced to 20 minutes. 
Do not try to wring or squeeze the cap. We recommend to gently dab the cap fabric using a towel, or to hold the cap between two towels before further drying, e.g., using the table fan.

Q: Is it possible to record data with a wet cap?
A: The caps must be used only when clean and dry.
 

Warranty

Q: What is the warranty time of a waveguard connect cap?
A: At ANT Neuro we always strive to provide the best product and support for our customers. We trust in the quality of products we make. ANT Neuro therefore offers a standard warranty time for waveguard connect of 6-months, in order to cover possible material defects or errors in production. 
 

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