EEG (Electroencephalogram) Technician

Job Description

Job Summary:

Measures activity of the brain with an EEG machine.

Job Responsibilities:

• Receives requisitions from doctors and places surface electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes on the patient’s scalp, both at the EEG lab and with portable machine, i.e. in the patient’s room.
• Measures activity of brain with an EEG machine by plugging one end of each of 22 electrodes into an electrode board which is attached to EEG machine. The other ends of the electrodes have metal cups that are fixed on the patient’s scalp, ears, and chest.
• Transport required EEG device, computer, and appropriate supplies to the patient’s room in the hospital ward, ICU or emergency department.
• Coordinate with the patient’s bedside nurse an appropriate time to place EEG electrodes.
• Ensure adequate lead placement and recording of EEG activity including transfer of the EEG recording to electronic data storage. For longer EEG recordings, EEG lead and dressing reapplication and replacement will be necessary.
• Placing the EEG machine at the patient’s bedside with minimal obstruction to other medical devices. Once positioned ensures the video recording is centered on the patient.
• Instructs the patient not to move, to keep his/her eyes closed and to be relaxed. Explains the test to the patient.
• Calibrates the machine before and after test. Calibrates the machine for six (6) different “runs”; each run records a different part of the brain.
• Records brain waves on paper chart with eight (8) different charts being made simultaneously. Also sets frequency, i.e. cycles per second. The machine measures the difference between the recordings of 2 electrodes at a time showing the difference on the chart. Each of the 8 graphs is called a “channel” and represents the difference between each set of two (20) electrodes.
• May stimulate the brain of the patient by flashing a light, calling the patient’s name, asking orientation questions, or clapping to see patient’s brain reaction as recorded on chart.
• Adjusts machine to change frequency to eliminate outside interference from showing up on recording, or to also bring abnormalities from showing up on recording.
• Manipulates the controls to increase “sensitivity” of machine to bring out the waves more clearly on the recording.
• Adjusts “sensitivity equalizer” controls of machine to eliminate abnormal deflection in the base line of the recording.
• May adjust master Product switch to reduce impulse recordings when graph lines are so high that they prohibit review of the EEG.
• During the testing, the technician will document any unusual behavior from patient, e.g. sleeping, awake and cool, patient tense and agitated, etc. in the electronic EEG recording.
• Handles related clerical steps including typing of all test results generated by neurologists; sends reports to floors and private doctors.
• May wipe a patient’s head with alcohol and gauze if patient is perspiring. After the test, removes electrodes from patient’s head and wipes his head with alcohol.
• Perform other evoked potentials including somatosensory evokes potentials (SSEP), brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER), and visual evoked potentials (VEP) with appropriate supervision.
• Review and ensure adequate supply of necessary supplies for placement of EEG electrodes and communicating with department when additional supplies are needed/should be ordered.
• Performs other duties as requested.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 2 years of EEG experience.
• Ability to fully utilize Client electronic record systems, equipment and other healthcare and billing systems relevant to this position.

Required Education:  High School Graduate plus completion of a 1-year course in EEG Technology.

Certifications & Licensure: BLS Preferred