Blog

Longtime Test with the Tricorder Viatom Checkme Pro
from Peter Wellman, 6.02.2020

Many devices on the market with integrated electrodes only allow short ECG recordings interspersed with signal noise. More complex evaluations of the internal device software are questionable and hardly usable, if at all possible. Interference-free, high-resolution curves that are fully usable for the physician can only be obtained by using adhesive electrodes on the body. In addition, it is often indispensable to write a long-term ECG (Holter). Only a few devices fulfil these basic requirements, including the Checkme Pro. The Checkme Pro makes a high quality impression. Small and light, with a pin-sharp, energy-saving b/w display, one charge of the integrated lithium battery lasts for many weeks. In addition to the usual integrated electrodes, there are cable electrodes for noise-free ECG recording for up to 24 hours. All data can be managed via APP, analysed on the large screen using PC software, prepared as mailable PDF reports and saved indefinitely. It is certainly useful to familiarize yourself with the basic features of ECG evaluation using the Internet in order to evaluate some results yourself. If an ECG consists exclusively of clean P-wave, QRS complex and following T-wave in the "usual" form with (almost) constant RR-intervals, the layman gives the all-clear. If, however, an extrasystole appears (see Fig. 1), it is already advisable to consult a specialist. In general, all interpretations must be checked and completed by an experienced cardiologist. For this reason, it is a sign of seriousness that Checkme Pro largely dispenses with questionable evaluation software and leaves all conclusions to the expert.

Day Check: This function generates a short recording with the built-in ECG electrodes and the built-in O2 sensor for measuring oxygen saturation. Extremely important: The device must be handled correctly and kept absolutely still during the check. Conspicuous events such as an extrasystole can be easily detected, but more subtle results can only be obtained by using the cable electrodes and the supplied O2 finger sensor. The slightly delta-shaped flank in the QRS complex (indication of a WPW syndrome) can only be recognized by an expert when the resolution is good (see Fig. 2). This example also shows the compelling necessity of a medical examination.