Perform electrocardiography (ECG)

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
24/07/2026 12:31 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Unit of competency

National Code
HLTCAR004

State Code
OFI04

TGA Status
Current

DTWD Status
Pending

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
22/12/2025

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

Field of Education

030717 - Plant And Machine Operations

Original Release Date

Nominal Hours

Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and conduct electrocardiography (ECG) procedures, producing traces that are suitable for diagnostic purposes. It does not include interpretation of the ECG.This unit applies to any health worker conducting ECG procedures. ECGs are performed in medical centres, hospitals and cardiologist rooms.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare ECG machine for use

1.1 Retrieve ECG machine from storage area and check cleaning records
1.2 Visually inspect ECG machine, leads and accessories to confirm compliance with infection control requirements and organisational procedures
1.3 Prepare ECG machine leads and accessories to confirm compliance with manufacturer’s specifications and organisational procedures

2. Prepare for ECG procedure

2.1 Greet client courteously and identify self
2.2 Consult with client and cross-reference patient records to confirm client identity
2.3 Obtain, interpret and record client information according to organisation procedures
2.4 Explain the ECG purpose, procedure and risk to the client
2.5 Provide client with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss areas of concern
2.6 Obtain informed consent following ethical and legal requirements

3. Prepare client for ECG procedure according to procedures

3.1 Maintain client privacy and dignity during ECG preparation
3.2 Implement and monitor infection control practices according to infection control, work health and safety (WHS) requirements and organisational procedures
3.3 Provide positioning instructions according to manufacturer’s specifications
3.4 Communicate with client to check and confirm client’s comfort
3.5 Assess and prepare client’s skin for electrode placement
3.6 Attach leads and verify placement according to manufacturer’s specifications and organisational procedures

4. Produce an ECG trace

4.1 Produce ECG trace according to manufacturer’s specifications
4.2 Check ECG trace against technical criteria for diagnostic use including increased amplitude and repeat ECG procedure where criteria are not met
4.3 Forward trace to required recipient according to organisational procedures
4.4 Document ECG procedure details according to organisational procedures

5. Complete ECG process

5.1 Remove ECG leads and electrodes from client maintaining client privacy and ensuring skin integrity
5.2 Check client to identify and provide assistance
5.3 Dispose of waste in accordance with waste management procedures
5.4 Store ECG machine in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and organisational procedures

No information

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
AVA49	HLTCAR001	Perform electrocardiography (ECG)	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
BTS1	HLT37525	Certificate III in Pathology	Qualification