Electrodes and Accessories
Biogel biopotential contact medium
Our 1090 Biogel (above right) is a good general purpose biopotential contact medium, and has been on the market for decades. Its primary function is to fill the gap between the electrode surface and the subject's skin. The conductive characteristics allow this gel to present a very low overall impedance path. And the liquid properties result in the gel more quickly migrating into the porous surface the skin presents. Sold in an 8 oz. tube.
Biobrade abrasive pads for skin prep
Our 1092 Biobrade abrasive pads (above, left) have been used by researchers for many years to improve the quality of their bioelectric signals! These pads enable you to gently 'abrade' the skin at your electrode sites (before applying the electrodes) in order to remove dead skin that can allow noise and other artifact into your signal. Biobrade can be a key factor in obtaining clear, distinct signals. And this brief article about using Skin Surface Electrodes supplies some direction about skin abrasion if you are new to this. And note that skin abrasion should NOT be performed if Skin Conductance is the physiometry measure you are after! Sold in a package of 100 small squares.
Electrodes
Over the years, UFI has supplied a wide range of Electrodes for many applications -- and we still do! The electrodes below are generally in stock, but let us know if you need something else. We recommend Ag-AgCl, wet column electrodes for all UFI equipment, and these electrodes all fall into this category, except for the needle electrodes which are stainless steel.
- 1081DSP: These are 'ECG Electrodes', but these high quality, Ag-AgCl skin surface electrodes can be used for other bioelectric measures as well. These electrodes are single use, and feature a strong adhesive ring for good attachment. These electrodes are sold in a package of 30.
- 1081FG: These reusable electrodes (pictured above) place the actual Ag-AgCl electrode disk in a delrin holder with a generously contoured front face. These electrodes are designed for use on a subject's fingers, most commonly for psychophysiological Skin Conductance physiometry. Prior to use, Biogel or something similar is added to the cavity above each electrode. The hook and loop strap is then used to anchor the electrode to a finger. A pair of electrodes is included for instrumenting two adjacent fingers.
- 1081HFD: Measuring Skin Conductance for Hot Flashes involves recording times of 24 hours or more. As a result, a special 'gel' is usually compounded (mixed) then added to the electrodes immediately prior to attachment. This requires the electrodes be supplied "dry', i.e. with no gel added. That is what these electrodes are, Ag-AgCl single use electrodes with an attached adhesive ring, but no gel. They are supplied primarily for Hot Flash recording, but other uses are possible. We can supply a package of 60 electrodes, or a case of 600.
- 1081N-3: This item is a set of 3 Needle electrodes for use with animals or other preparations. Inserting needles into live tissue supplies the best signals! We supply these primarily for use with our BAERCOM portable veterinary hearing tester, but many other uses are possible!
- 1081SNPW: This is an electrode lead with the recepticle for the standard male 'snap' on one end, along with the .060" safety sheathed female connector on the other end. Extremely flexible wire makes these 40" leads easy to use. These leads are sold individually, but many lengths and colors are available.