Sometimes we are asked by customers if we supply ECG ink. Unfortunately, it's not a product you’ll find in anybody's catalogue, let alone ours, simply because it doesn’t exist! 

 

Most electrocardiograms, or ECG’s as they are commonly known, use a thermal printer to print out the electrical traces of the patient's heart onto a special printer paper specific for the device.  
 

The thermal printer works by applying heat to a coated thermal paper, which then changes colour to create the specified printed output. This method eliminates the need for ink or toner cartridges, making it a reliable and efficient choice for medical environments. 

 

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So if you think your ECG has run out of ink, we’re guessing you are dealing with case of faint printouts on your paper? ...Right? 

Here are a few simple steps you can take to see if they address the issue: 

 

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Check The Thermal Paper:
Ensure you are using the correct type of thermal paper specified for your ECG machine. Make sure the paper is not old or damaged. 

 

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Inspect And Clean The Printer Head:
Gently clean the thermal print head with a soft, lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol to remove any dust or residue. Surface alcohol wipes are ideal for this. 

 

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Adjust Printer Settings:

If your ECG machine allows, try adjusting the print density or contrast settings to achieve a darker print.

 

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Verify Paper Alignment:
Ensure the thermal paper is properly loaded and aligned in the printer tray to avoid uneven or faint printing.

 

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Consider Environmental Factors:
Make sure the ECG machine is operating in an environment within the recommended temperature and humidity range. 

 

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Check Power Supply:
Ensure the machine is receiving a stable power supply, as fluctuations can affect print quality. 

 

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Regular Maintenance:
Perform regular maintenance on the ECG machine as per the manufacturer's guidelines. 

 

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Age Of Your ECG: 
The thermal printer head can burn out over time, common on old machines. In this instance, the ECG would need to be returned to the manufacturer for a replacement thermal printhead.  Depending on the age and condition of the device, this may not be an economically viable repair. 

 

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If you continue to experience issues after trying these steps, either contact the manufacturer or an approved service centre to arrange for a technician to inspect your ECG.