Guest guest Posted November 19, 2004 Report Share Posted November 19, 2004 Hi there Anyone has a good process for cleaning the leads at home without wearing them out too much ? Thanks Ariane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 19, 2004 Report Share Posted November 19, 2004 Ariane, Glad to read that you are up and running - what did you purchase? My strategy for cleaning the wires are to heat up 1/2 coffee cup of water in microwave for about 2 minutes - then stir the leads around for a few seconds and it melts off all the goop! Mark Berman, Psy.D. BCIA-EEG Cleaning leads > > > Hi there > > Anyone has a good process for cleaning the leads at home without > wearing them out too much ? > > Thanks > > Ariane > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 19, 2004 Report Share Posted November 19, 2004 Ariane: I put a cup of water in the microwave and heat it to boiling, and then soak the leads in the hot water. This cleans off all of the paste and sterilizes them, too. Betsy Cleaning leads Hi thereAnyone has a good process for cleaning the leads at home without wearing them out too much ?ThanksAriane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 19, 2004 Report Share Posted November 19, 2004 I've had no problem just soaking them in water, hanging them above the water so that they don't touch bottom, and then hanging them to dry. How easy this is? The 10 20 paste dissolves all by itself within an hour or less, depending how thick it is. The ear clips are the last to fully dissolve. This does mean that I need to have an extra set of electrodes in order to run another person immediately; but it sure saves wear and tear since I never rub the electrodes with anything at all. However, if I am running three people in a row, I will use a Q tip to remove as much of the paste as I can without touching the metal so that the electrodes put into soak for the first person will be sure to be clean in time for the third. Larry PhD 155 E 38, #2C / NYC 10016 212 697 5990 llewis@... > ------- Cleaning leads > > > > Hi there > > Anyone has a good process for cleaning the leads at home without > wearing them out too much ? > > Thanks > > Ariane > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 19, 2004 Report Share Posted November 19, 2004 Hi Mark. ahhhh - don't go there LOL Not very happy with it. Put it this way: I chose the clinician - the " bundle of joy " came with her. But I am sticking to the fact that the relationship with the clinician and the trust on him/her is far more important than the equip. So I am taking a shot at it. Besides, I know too much about software for my own good - can't let it interfere with the mission here ;o) I have to say I am seeing results already. We are doing daly 45 minute sessions... and the speech delay guy is a chatter-bos all of a sudden. The pendulum effect, I am told ) I may come back to you in a bit of time and call myself a liar - for now, I will saty put and shut LOL Give me some time and I will decide if I want to post my decision as a public statement ) about the leads: is there a problem with water getting to the cabling ? why can't it touch the bottom of a vessel? I am doing the same thing you guys are - soaking them all in hot water (not boiling though - I will try that tomorrow). Thanks Ariane > Ariane, > Glad to read that you are up and running - what did you purchase? > > My strategy for cleaning the wires are to heat up 1/2 coffee cup of water > in microwave for about 2 minutes - then stir the leads around for a few > seconds and it melts > off all the goop! > > Mark Berman, Psy.D. BCIA-EEG > > Cleaning leads > > > > > > > > Hi there > > > > Anyone has a good process for cleaning the leads at home without > > wearing them out too much ? > > > > Thanks > > > > Ariane > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 20, 2004 Report Share Posted November 20, 2004 Hi, I boil a cup of water in the microwave and dip the ends in the hot water. It takes about 45 seconds before they are completely clean. No rubbing. If the water is boiling 212F then you are also providing some sterilization for the next client. Hope this helps, Lynn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 20, 2004 Report Share Posted November 20, 2004 Arianne, > about the leads: is there a problem with water getting to the > cabling ? No why can't it touch the bottom of a vessel? It can, doesn not matter I am doing the > same thing you guys are - soaking them all in hot water (not boiling > though - I will try that tomorrow). If it boils, when you put the leads it combined with the paste, the water can bubble up and sometimes over the top Mark Berman, Psy.D. BCIA-EEG > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 20, 2004 Report Share Posted November 20, 2004 why can't it touch the bottom of a vessel? It could be OCD, but my reason is just to eliminate that possible cause of the electrode plating rubbing off . I still prefer the cold (room temperature) water approach to the hot because it is easier to do and must be gentler to the electrodes and cables. It does mean working with extra electrodes; but then having extras in use means that I'll never get caught short. It would be interesting to know for sure whether the hot water does any more sterilization than the saltiness of the paste and the cold water. Larry PhD 155 E 38, #2C / NYC 10016 212 697 5990 llewis@... > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 20, 2004 Report Share Posted November 20, 2004 I use a plastic measuring cup to help with not chipping the gold. I use hot water just below boiling...some times faucet water is hot enough. I prefer the quicker rinse in hot water...(gives quicker dry time) than to soaking for long periods. Also, I do a clean water rinse or run under faucet to remove any remaining salt. I doubt that any of the water methods really "sterilizes" anything. But sitting for long periods in room temp water would be more likely to encourage growth depending on the salt levels. If the salt in the water is high enough to kill bacteria, it is probably also strong enough to corrode the gold. Rosemary Re: Re: Cleaning leads why can't it touch the bottom of a vessel?It could be OCD, but my reason is just to eliminate that possible cause of the electrode plating rubbing off . I still prefer the cold (room temperature) water approach to the hot because it is easier to do and must be gentler to the electrodes and cables. It does mean working with extra electrodes; but then having extras in use means that I'll never get caught short. It would be interesting to know for sure whether the hot water does any more sterilization than the saltiness of the paste and the cold water. Larry PhD155 E 38, #2C / NYC 10016212 697 5990llewis@...> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 20, 2004 Report Share Posted November 20, 2004 About cleaning head leads- the head is not a sterile area and unless there are open wounds (in which case I would avoid training until they are healed) I would suggest temped soapy water and an old tooth brush. I have been cleaning leads that way for 5 years and have found them to last a long time. The boiling water could cause the head lead to deteriorate and fall apart. I soak them in cool soapy water for about 20 minutes and then scrub gently with a toothbrush to remove any left over paste. If I'm going from client to client I just skip the soak and wash in soapy water with toothbrush. Hope this helps Marsha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 21, 2004 Report Share Posted November 21, 2004 Thanks Mark. The microwave technique worked like a charm. Ariane > Arianne, > > > about the leads: is there a problem with water getting to the > > cabling ? > > No > > > why can't it touch the bottom of a vessel? > > It can, doesn not matter > > I am doing the > > same thing you guys are - soaking them all in hot water (not boiling > > though - I will try that tomorrow). > > If it boils, when you put the leads it combined with the paste, the water > can bubble up and sometimes over the > top > > Mark Berman, Psy.D. BCIA-EEG > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 21, 2004 Report Share Posted November 21, 2004 Larry, I don't care about sterlizing my leads... LOL They go from my son's head to mine and back, and that's about it. I have been out of school for a long time, but if I recall, yes, high temperature is one of the only (not chemical) ways of effectively killing microorganisms... Otherwise we could just salt some beef and be all safe ) Ariane > why can't it touch the bottom of a vessel? > > It could be OCD, but my reason is just to eliminate that possible cause of the electrode plating rubbing off . > > I still prefer the cold (room temperature) water approach to the hot because it is easier to do and must be gentler to the electrodes and cables. It does mean working with extra electrodes; but then having extras in use means that I'll never get caught short. It would be interesting to know for sure whether the hot water does any more sterilization than the saltiness of the paste and the cold water. > > Larry PhD > 155 E 38, #2C / NYC 10016 > 212 697 5990 > llewis@n... > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 21, 2004 Report Share Posted November 21, 2004 Marsha, What is the difference in time/duration we are talking ? Am I going to have to replace my leads 2 weeks later if I brushed than I would if I used hot water ? We only use them 2x day Ariane > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 21, 2004 Report Share Posted November 21, 2004 Hi Ariane, I'm not sure what your asking me at this point? In your original message , you asked the following: " Anyone has a good process for cleaning the leads at home without wearing them out too much ? " I wrote back: " I would suggest temped soapy water and an old tooth brush. I have been cleaning leads that way for 5 years and have found them to last a long time. The boiling water could cause the head lead to deteriorate and fall apart. I soak them in cool soapy water for about 20 minutes and then scrub gently with a toothbrush to remove any left over paste. If I'm going from client to client I just skip the soak and wash in soapy water with toothbrush. " I forgot to add that I rinse off the soapy water, dry them with a paper towel or let them air dry if I am not in a hurry. I was taught to do it this way when I started working for Pete. His son is the one who showed me what to do. Some trainer's I know only use cold water and a toothbrush to wash off the head leads. Pete used alcohol and q-tips . What ever works for you is what you should do. I have found that water at high temperatures tends to crack the rubber coating around the outside of the lead. What is the difference in time/duration we are talking ? Am I going to have to replace my leads 2 weeks later if I brushed than I would if I used hot water ? We only use them 2x day Marsha ADVERTISEMENT Hi there Anyone has a good process for cleaning the leads at home without wearing them out too much ? Thanks Ariane Marsha, What is the difference in time/duration we are talking ? Am I going to have to replace my leads 2 weeks later if I brushed than I would if I used hot water ? We only use them 2x day Ariane > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 21, 2004 Report Share Posted November 21, 2004 You wrote " I have been cleaning leads that way for 5 years and have found them to last a long time. The boiling water could cause the head lead to deteriorate and fall apart. " My question is - using boiling water, how much longer do the leads last without falling apart ? Ariane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 21, 2004 Report Share Posted November 21, 2004 Just to offer my 2 cents -- I often heat rubbing alcohol and dip the electrodes and the paste melts away. Rubbing alcohol evaporates very quickly unlike water -- I have found this works well. LOL! (-: --Warmly, T. Lindsey, M.S.,L.M.F.T. Claremont, CA Santa Ana, CA 909-626-5313 This email and any attachments may contain confidential information and it is intended for the addressee only. If you are not the intended recipient, you should destroy this message and notify the sender by reply email. If you are not the addressee, any disclosure, reproduction or transmission of this email is strictly prohibited. -------------- Original message -------------- > Hi Ariane, > I'm not sure what your asking me at this point? > In your original message , you asked the following: > > "Anyone has a good process for cleaning the leads at home without > wearing them out too much ?" > > I wrote back: > > " I would suggest temped soapy water and an old tooth brush. > I have been cleaning leads that way for 5 years and have found them to last a > long time. The boiling water could cause the head lead to deteriorate and fall > apart. > I soak them in cool soapy water for about 20 minutes and then scrub gently with > a toothbrush to remove any left over paste. If I'm going from client to client I > just skip the soak and wash in soapy water with toothbrush." > I forgot to add that I rinse off the soapy water, dry them with a paper towel or > let them air dry if I am not in a hurry. > I was taught to do it this way when I started working for Pete. His son > is the one who showed me what to do. Some trainer's I know only use cold water > and a toothbrush to wash off the head leads. > Pete used alcohol and q-tips . > What ever works for you is what you should do. > I have found that water at high temperatures tends to crack the rubber coating > around the outside of the lead. > > What is the difference in time/duration we are talking ? > Am I going to have to replace my leads 2 weeks later if I brushed > than I would if I used hot water ? > > We only use them 2x day > > Marsha > > > > ADVERTISEMENT > > Hi there > > Anyone has a good process for cleaning the leads at home without > wearing them out too much ? > > Thanks > > Ariane > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 21, 2004 Report Share Posted November 21, 2004 I've been using very hot (but not boiling) water to clean electrodes. The current set is almost 2 years old. No problems showing up. Dieter at IMA who makes electrodes recommended hot water for cleaning. Rosemary Re: Cleaning leads You wrote"I have been cleaning leads that way for 5 years and have found them to last a long time. The boiling water could cause the head lead to deteriorate and fall apart."My question is - using boiling water, how much longer do the leads last without falling apart ? Ariane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 21, 2004 Report Share Posted November 21, 2004 This is what I’ve always done as well and I see no reason to do anything else. IMA is a very good source of sensors IMO… val From: Rosemary Herron [mailto:reherron@...] Sent: Sunday, November 21, 2004 4:20 PM Subject: Re: Re: Cleaning leads I've been using very hot (but not boiling) water to clean electrodes. The current set is almost 2 years old. No problems showing up. Dieter at IMA who makes electrodes recommended hot water for cleaning. Rosemary Re: Cleaning leads You wrote " I have been cleaning leads that way for 5 years and have found them to last a long time. The boiling water could cause the head lead to deteriorate and fall apart. " My question is - using boiling water, how much longer do the leads last without falling apart ? Ariane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 21, 2004 Report Share Posted November 21, 2004 I have not used boiling water and my leads are 5 yrs old and still in excellent working condtion. I would ask the people who are using boiling water how old there leads are and how long they usually last since I do not use that method. The manufacturer of the head leads that you have purchased would be the best source for your questions and specific's. > Marsha > You wrote > > " I have been cleaning leads that way for 5 years and have found them > to last a long time. The boiling water could cause the head lead to > deteriorate and fall apart. " > > My question is - using boiling water, how much longer do the leads > last without falling apart ? > > > Ariane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 21, 2004 Report Share Posted November 21, 2004 Marsha, I think that all depends on how often you use your leads. When I only saw 3 or 4 people a day they lasted much longer than now, when I see 8-10 people a day and 6-7 days a week...My leads are definately cleaned in boiling water (and always have been) and I go through them in 5-6 months... Lise' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 21, 2004 Report Share Posted November 21, 2004 Hi Lise' I have come to the conclusion that the time I'd spend brusing the leads would not be worth the time I'd gain. I am a *very* busy almost human being, multitasking most of the time... LOL I tried the boiling water. Clean as a whistle, faster than I could say boo. Works for me. The price of new leads is far less expensive than my time. Ariane > Marsha, > > I think that all depends on how often you use your leads. When I only saw 3 or 4 people a day they lasted much longer than now, when I see 8-10 people a day and 6-7 days a week...My leads are definately cleaned in boiling water (and always have been) and I go through them in 5-6 months... > > Lise' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 21, 2004 Report Share Posted November 21, 2004 Some folks will cringe when they read the following, but.... As a hometrainer for myself alone, I never clean the electrode cups. I simply wipe the excess paste off even with the rims and reapply a bit more. I never have a fuzzy connection unless I do a bad job of prepping. HH Re: Cleaning leads Marsha,What is the difference in time/duration we are talking ?Am I going to have to replace my leads 2 weeks later if I brushed than I would if I used hot water ?We only use them 2x dayAriane> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 22, 2004 Report Share Posted November 22, 2004 Ariane, Welcome to my world... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 22, 2004 Report Share Posted November 22, 2004 Why use the gold plated when pure silver leads work very well and do not have a plating that wears off. I would echo Val's appreciation of Dieter at IMA who makes great electrodes [ 352-378-7551 ] Hank Mann Henry Mann, MDWork 860-536-6023Cell 860-705-9211188 Wolf Neck RoadStonington, CT 06378 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 22, 2004 Report Share Posted November 22, 2004 That was going to be my next question... But then I was told leaving the paste on the leads would eat up the gold (besides being really yucky) How long have yo had your leads ? And, more importantly, are you sure you are getting readings of your brain ? ) Ariane > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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