Abstract

The aim of the current experiment was to gain experience in chloriding electrodes

and examine the changes in electrode impedance with site preparation (skin abrasion

and use of conductive gel). The experiment was split into two parts, to gain

experience in chloriding electrodes (Part A) and observe changes in electrode

impedance with site preparation (Part B). With Part A, a piece of silver wire and silver

electrodes were placed in an electrolytic (NaCl 0.9%) bath and connected to a 1.5V

battery circuit for a period of 60 seconds in order to achieve an even coating of 1

Coulomb per square centimetre over the surface of the electrode. 39 Undergraduate

Physiology students from Swinburne University of Technology volunteered within

their lab class as participants for Part B of the experiment. In Part B, the electrodes

prepared in Part A were connected to the back of the participants are (approximately

2cm apart) and impedance was measured using an impedance metre for each of the

site preparation conditions (Unabraded and dry, Unabraded with gel, Abraded and dry,

Abraded with gel). Within Part A of the experiment, all students achieved an even

brown coating over the surface of the electrode showing 1 Coulomb per square

centimetre. Furthermore, the results of Part B supported the hypothesis that the lowest

mean electrode impedance will be recorded when both conductive gel, and skin

abrasion are used.

Procedure

PART B –
Following this, both electrodes prepared in Part A of the current experiment were

attached to the back of the subjects arm about 2cm apart. At this stage skin was not

prepared nor was gel applied. Impedance was then measured (using an impedance

metre) and results recorded. After this, the electrodes were removed from subjects arm
and a small amount of conductive gel was applied to the electrode before

reapplication to the same site as applied to previously. Impedance was then measured

(using an impedance metre) and results recorded. Once again, the electrodes were

removed and any excess gel was removed from the electrodes. Then, using Omni

Prep™ the skin of the subject was abraded at the specific electrode site and the

electrodes (dry) were reapplied. Impedance was then measured (using an impedance

metre) and results recorded. Finally, electrodes were once again removed and re-

attached with conductive gel to the prepared skin. Impedance was then measured

(using an impedance metre) and results recorded. Impedance was then measured

(using an impedance metre) and results recorded. This process was repeated for all

subjects.

Results

Within this section of the experiment, there was an observable difference between

electrode impedance and the degree of site preparation, with an unabraded and dry

site showing the poorest impedance measurement (mean = 115.8 kΩ) and an abraded

site with the use of gel showing the best impedance measurement (mean = 38.4 kΩ).

This is shown clearly in Table 1 below.

Table 1
Measurement of electrode impedance for four different degrees of site preparation
Unabraded, dry Unabraded, gel Abraded, dry Abraded, gel

Mon 12:30

Subject 1 100 kΩ 78 kΩ 60 kΩ 23 kΩ

Subject 2 112 kΩ 100 kΩ 93 kΩ 49 kΩ

Subject 3 >120 kΩ 43.8 kΩ 104.2 kΩ 38.2 kΩ

Subject 4 112 kΩ 85 kΩ 87 kΩ 3.4 kΩ

Subject 5 >120 kΩ 105 kΩ 110 kΩ 25 kΩ

Subject 6 110 kΩ 55 kΩ 76 kΩ 25 kΩ

Tue 9:30
Subject 1 91 kΩ 55 kΩ 83 kΩ 23 kΩ

Subject 2 >120 kΩ >120 kΩ 83 kΩ 53 kΩ

Subject 3 >120 kΩ 94 kΩ 83 kΩ 43 kΩ

Subject 4 >120 kΩ 87 kΩ 110 kΩ 51 kΩ

Subject 5 94 kΩ 34 kΩ 60 kΩ 28 kΩ

Subject 6 >120 kΩ 34 kΩ >120 kΩ 81 kΩ

Tue 12:30

Subject 1 >120 kΩ 56 kΩ 91 kΩ 30 kΩ

Subject 2 >120 kΩ >120 kΩ >120 kΩ >120 kΩ

Subject 3 >120 kΩ 108 kΩ >120 kΩ 83 kΩ

Subject 4 >120 kΩ 55.2 kΩ >120 kΩ 78.5 kΩ

Subject 5 >120 kΩ 100 kΩ >120 kΩ 44 kΩ

Subject 6 >120 kΩ 36 kΩ 19 kΩ 10 kΩ

Subject 7 >120 kΩ 90 kΩ >120 kΩ 87 kΩ

Tue 2:30

Subject 1 >120 kΩ 36.8 kΩ 23 kΩ 18 kΩ

Subject 2 >120 kΩ >120 kΩ 44 kΩ 16 kΩ

Subject 3 >120 kΩ 45.7 kΩ 65 kΩ 32 kΩ

Subject 4 >120 kΩ 44 kΩ >120 kΩ 27 kΩ

Subject 5 >120 kΩ 90 kΩ >120 kΩ 90 kΩ

Subject 6 >120 kΩ 59 kΩ >120 kΩ 6 kΩ

Wed 10:30

Subject 1 >120 kΩ 52 kΩ >120 kΩ 50 kΩ

Subject 2 >120 kΩ 84 kΩ 100 kΩ 76 kΩ

Subject 3 >120 kΩ 31 kΩ 50 kΩ 31 kΩ

Wed 2:30`

Subject 1 >120 kΩ 48 kΩ >120 kΩ 15 kΩ

Subject 2 >120 kΩ 19 kΩ 23 kΩ 11 kΩ

Subject 3 >120 kΩ 33 kΩ 78 kΩ 31 kΩ

Subject 4 67 kΩ 32 kΩ 49 kΩ 26 kΩ

Subject 5 >120 kΩ 27 kΩ >120 kΩ 70 kΩ

Thurs 1:30

Subject 1 >120 kΩ 33.6 kΩ 36 kΩ 22 kΩ

Subject 2 >120 kΩ 40 kΩ >120 kΩ 19 kΩ

Subject 3 >120 kΩ 63 kΩ >120 kΩ 52.7 kΩ

Subject 4 >120 kΩ 25.3 kΩ 42.3 kΩ 24 kΩ

Subject 5 >120 kΩ 71.9 kΩ 20.1 kΩ 40.6 kΩ

Subject 6 >120 kΩ 94 kΩ >120 kΩ 27 kΩ

Mean 115.8 kΩ 71.8 kΩ 88.9 kΩ 38.4 kΩ

Introduction

The aim of the current experiment was to gain experience in chloriding electrodes

and examine the changes in electrode impedance with site preparation (skin abrasion

and use of conductive gel). It was hypothesised that the lowest mean electrode

impedance will be recorded when both conductive gel, and skin abrasion are used.

Electrodes are small metal disks that are used to communicate electrical
activity of the body to the input circuit of an amplifier (Duffy, Iyer & Surwillo,
1989). They are simply the terminals or contact points from which the
voltages or potentials can be obtained from (Practical 4, 2008). This is done
by attaching the electrodes to the surface of the skin at the location of
physiological interest (Practical 4, 2008) When the electrodes are placed in
contact with the electrolytic substance such as or the skin, an
electrochemical reaction occurs which generates small potentials or a
voltage at the electrode site (Cooper, Osselton & Shaw, 1980). This is known
as the electrode potential and is recorded by the machine in use ( EEG, EMG,
EOG etc) (Simpson, 2008 (1)). When making recordings two electrodes must
always be used (Practical 4, 2008).
Electrodes can be made of almost any type of metal such as tin or gold
(Simpson, 2008 (3)). Most commonly used in Europe, however, are
electrodes that are made of pure silver and have been chlorided (Cooper et
al., 1980). Chloriding involves immersing the electrode in a sodium chloride
solution and passing a current through the electrode to cause a chemical
reaction The result of this reaction is the silver ion (Ag+) combining with the
chlorine ion (Cl-) from the solution forming a thin dark brown coating of AgCl
on the surface of the electrode (Duffy et al., 1989). This usually occurs if the
current is 2.5mA/cm2 of the electrode surface and allowed to flow for about
1 minute. (Cooper et al., 1980) The effect of this chloride deposit on the
silver electrodes is usually a decrease of impedance making recordings more
accurate (Myrdal, 2007). Electrodes must be re-chlorided regularly (Practical
4, 2008).
When using electrodes it is important to measure the electrical impedance
before making your recordings (Simpson, 2008(3)). This entails applying a
small external voltage to the electrodes and then measuring the amount of
current flowing in the circuit formed by the leads (Duffy et al., 1989). The
ohms law states that the impedance can be calculated by dividing the
applied voltage by the current flowing through the circuit (Duffy et al., 1989).
By obtaining a finding of low impedance, we are able to prevent the small
bioelectric potentials from being attenuated when crossing from the skin to
the electrode, and we can ensure that the amplitude of noise (random
fluctuations in electrode potential) picked up by the electrode is minimized
(Practical 4, 2008). A low impedance is more likely to be obtained, if the site
of recording has beenprepared adequately (Simpson, 2008 (2)). First of all good contact
must be made with the conductive layer of the skin by ensuring mechanical stability (Practical
4, 2008).
). Secondly, the topmost layer of the skin should be swabbed with alcohol and abraded
(Simpson, 2008 (1)). Finally, electrode gel must also be used to ensure a good electrical
connection between the electrodes and the skin. (Duffy et al., 1989).
There are two parts of the present prepared adequately (Simpson, 2008 (2)). First
of all good contact must be made with the conductive layer of the skin by
ensuring mechanical stability (Practical 4, 2008).
). Secondly, the topmost layer of the skin should be swabbed with alcohol
and abraded (Simpson, 2008 (1)). Finally, electrode gel must also be used to
ensure a good electrical connection between the electrodes and the skin.
(Duffy et al., 1989).
There are two parts of the present minute. For Part B, it was hypothesized
that from our 4 conditions of site preparation (Dry, Gel, Abraded Dry and
Abraded Gel) the lowest impedance will be obtained from the Abraded Gel
condition and the highest impedance would be obtained from the Dry
condition.

Discussion

This is the most important section of the report. Answer any

questions posed, or problems set. Explain your results as distinct
from explaining the structure of tables and graphs as in the results
section above paying particular attention to possible errors including
their sources, significance, possible means of reducing or
eliminating, and importance. Reference to the literature is of
extreme importance. Always support your findings or conclusions
with literature evidence. Footnotes can be used for reference to your
reference list.

The results of the present experiment (Part A) supported the hypothesis that
Methylene Blue will have a higher diffusion rate then Potassium Permanganate over a
one hour period. Furthermore, the results for Parts B supported the hypothesis that the
highest concentrate of sucrose solution will have the highest increase in weight over a
one hour period.
In Part A of the present experiment, the results were observed due to the molecular
weight of each dye used. Firstly, as the molecular weight of the Methylene Blue is
significantly larger compared to that of Potassium Permanganate, diffusion was
slower, meaning growth of Methylene Blue was slower than that of Potassium
Permanganate.

In Part B of the present experiment, the results were observed because the membrane
used was selectively permeable. This means that water, but not sucrose could pass
through the membrane and diffuse into the water in the beaker. This water diffusion
caused a subsequent increase in the weight of each solution inside the dialysis tubing.
And of course, the highest concentration of sucrose would have a higher weight gain
after the one hour period.
Although the hypothesis was supported in both parts of the experiment, there are
various limitations to the present study. In relation to Part A, as only a 30cm ruler was
used to measure the growing dyes over the one hour period, human error may have
possibly resulted in a significant change in the measurements recorded. Furthermore,
human error may have also had an impact on the time at which each measurement
was taken which could have potentially impacted on current results as well. In relation
to Part B, possibility of leakage in dialysis bags could have had a major effect on the
subsequent weight recorded following the one hour period. Furthermore, again, due to
human error, dialysis bags may have been taken out of the beakers prior to the time
required, also causing potential variability in subsequent results.

In summary, it appears that the rate of diffusion decreases with the molecular weight
of the substance. Furthermore, it appears that in this case, osmosis occurred through a
selectively permeable membrane, that is, a membrane that will let through some
substances but not others. This was due to the molecular size of the water compared to
the sucrose.