QRS-wave detector evaluation☆

Abstract A standardized FM magnetic tape containing various arrhythmias and artifacts was prepared for the purpose of evaluating QRS-wave detectors. The technical aspects of the preparation of the tape and the testing format are described. Two QRS-wave detectors were tested. Premature ventricular contractions (PVC's) caused the most difficulty, 97 per cent being detected by one type and 86 per cent by the second. T waves following PVC's were detected as QRS complexes 6 per cent and 1 per cent, respectively. Base-line shift and 60 Hz artifact produced 4.7 per cent and 1.7 per cent false positive detections. The over-all results suggest that these QRS-wave detectors are capable of performing satisfactorily in the usual monitoring setting.