Which EEG Electrode Adhesive is Best?
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By Madison Gonet, R. EEG T.
EEG Electrode Adhesive: An EEG Technologist’s Tool of the Trade
Technologists need the right equipment to do their job properly. One thing you’ll rarely see missing from their toolkit is EEG electrode adhesive conductive paste. It is as useful as it is sticky. (So sticky we wrote an article on how to remove electrode adhesive from your hair!)
Let’s compare some popular electrode adhesives and discuss the merits and disadvantages of each.
Ten20 (Used with Gauze)
Pros:
- simple to apply
- easy to remove and clean-up
- suitable for routine EEG recordings with non-combative and passive patients
Cons:
- because it’s so easy to remove, combative patients moving around may accidentally remove electrodes
- not recommended for Long-term monitoring (LTM) because the adhesive might not endure the study
Ten20 (Used with Tape)
Pros:
- simple to apply
- easy to remove
- well-matched for routine or extended EEG recordings with more ambulatory patients
Cons:
- tape typically doesn’t stick well to greasy or oily hair and skin
- tape can pull hair when removed, so be careful with sensitive patients
Tensive
Pros:
- dries hard for good adhesion
- excellent for longer EEG recordings or ambulatory studies
Cons:
- very sticky and a little messy – can be difficult to apply without practice and patience
- drying takes a little time, so an air hose can help speed up the process
- more challenging to remove with soap and warm water
SAC2 Paste
Pros:
- dries hard for good adhesion
- less stringy/sticky than Tensive so it’s a little more user-friendly
- great for LTM or ambulatory recordings
Cons:
- the clay-like consistency can be difficult to work with for some
- dry time without an air hose can be 10-20 seconds before you have a solid hold
Collodion
Pros:
- dries hard for good adhesion
- easy to remove with acetone or collodion remover
- wonderful for LTM or ambulatory recordings
Cons:
- without an air hose to dry the liquid, it’s difficult to adhere to the skin
- the smell can be unpleasant for patients and in some cases not allowed in certain areas of hospitals due to a lack of ventilation
| Electrode Adhesive | Easy to Apply? | Easy to Clean-up? | Longevity & Patient Mobility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ten20 with Gauze | yes | yes | poor |
| Ten20 with Tape | yes | yes | fine |
| Tensive | no | no | good |
| SAC2 Paste | yes | no | good |
| Collodion | no | yes | excellent |
Not seeing an EEG electrode adhesive you regularly use? While there are other kinds of electrode glue, we’re taking a look at some of the products our EEG technologists have used and recommend for certain situations. It should be mentioned that a good EEG head wrap could help any of these application methods last longer as needed.
The above content is not sponsored and is compiled by Madison Gonet, R. EEG T., a talented and experienced technologist at Lifelines Neuro and a member of our Clinical Trials team.
