ECG Colour Codes Explained

In this guide, we will try and demonstrate about the different colour code used in different international sstandards for ECG lead wires

Since the introduction of  String Galvanometer ECG is most commonly conducted diagnostic procedure and fundamental tool for clinical practice.

ECG lead misplacement can result in significant harm to the patient if essential treatment is withheld or if the incorrect treatment is delivered solely on the basis of ECG findings.

 

History of ECG Colour codes:

 

ECG procedure is an important step in ensuring the high level of precision required and expected by clinicians and their patients. Recognising the importance of the same leading Standardising bodies(IEC and ANSI) the in the world have initially issued their own standards.

 The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is one of the world’s leading organization that prepares and publishes International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies. IEC released Standards for ECG Devices in year 1993 namely IEC 606061-2-25

 The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) together published first standard for ECG device in the year 1991 namely EC11.

 Since both the bodies have issued different standards for their respective operating countries during different times, they have followed different logic in naming the colour codes for ECG Lead/cable placements. Even though these standards have gone through many revisions, the discrepancy remains.

 Since the manufacturers from respective affiliated countries follow either of IEC or ANSI, the device importing countries experience conflicting colour codes. Below Picture representations will help you understand the difference and can help you place the leads in proper manner.

 

3 / 5 LEAD ECG CABLES COLOUR CODES

AHA/AAMI - American Heart Association / Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation

 

IEC - International Electrotechnical Commission

 

 

Location

Description

Colour

Location

Description

Colour

RA

(Right Arm)

White

 

R

(Right)

Red

LA

(Left Arm)

Black

L

(Left)

Yellow

RL

(Right Leg)

Green

N

(Neutral)

Black

LL

(Left Leg)

Red

F

(Foot)

Green

V

(Chest)

Brown

C

(Chest)

White

 

 

10 LEAD ECG CABLE COLOUR CODES

AHA/AAMI - American Heart Association / Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation

 

IEC - International Electrotechnical Commission

 

 

Location

Description

Colour

Location

Description

Colour

RA

(Right Arm)

White

 

R

(Right)

Red

LA

(Left Arm)

Black

L

(Left)

Yellow

RL

(Right Leg)

Green

N

(Neutral)

Black

LL

(Left Leg)

Red

F

(Foot)

Green

V1

(Precordial)

Red

C1

(Chest)

Red

V2

Yellow

C2

Yellow

V3

Green

C3

Green

V4

Blue

C4

Brown

V5

Orange

C5

Black

V6

Violet

C6

Purple

 

 

 

 

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