Pediatric EKG Testing

How to prepare your child for an EKG

• Do not wear oily or greasy skin creams and lotions because they can prevent the electrode from making skin contact.
• Do not wear full-length stockings because electrodes need to be placed directly on the legs.
• Wear a shirt that can be easily removed.

What happens during pediatric EKG testing?

With you lying flat, a technician attaches 10 electrodes with adhesive pads to your chest, arms and legs to record your heart’s electrical activity. If you have hair on those body parts, the technician may shave those areas so the pads stick. These electrodes are attached to electrical leads (wires), which are then attached to the EKG machine. It takes about 10 minutes to attach the electrodes and complete the test, but the actual recording only takes a few seconds.

Parents are allowed to stay with the child at all times.

Your EKG tests will remain on file so your doctor can compare them to future tests. 

Please note:

All patients (or their parents) who obtain pediatric EKG testing under this program must sign a document certifying that they will not seek reimbursement for the test from any federal health care program, commercial insurer or other third-party payor. The free pediatric EKG constitutes a net discount. If patient is a Medicare or other federal health care program beneficiary, the patient (or parent) may be obligated to report this discount to the program upon request, pursuant to 42 C.F.R. 1001.952(h). The patient’s ability to obtain a free pediatric EKG test is not contingent in any way on his or her purchase or order of any other items or services from Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital or its Medical Staff. To be a part of this program, the patient may use any pediatrician, regardless of whether or not that pediatrician is a member of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Medical Staff.