Carbon Electrodes - Dynatronics Dynatron 850 Plus Service Manual

NOTE: The above intensity settings should be considered maximum and not target
intensities. These suggested settings apply to interferential and premodulated treatments. For
high voltage pulsed stimulation the intensity is displayed in volts; therefore, these suggested
settings do not apply. For biphasic or Russian stimulation treatments intended to effect a
muscle contraction, it may sometimes be necessary to exceed these recommended limits to
achieve the desired results. However, use caution when doing so to ensure that the patient
can feel and can comfortably tolerate the electrical current. Also observe all other
precautions in this section concerning leads and electrodes to ensure the higher intensity
setting is not necessary as a result of defective accessories. In any case, do not exceed
patient tolerance in setting the intensity. Consult published medical literature for more
information about treatment protocols using each of these electrotherapy modalities.
2. Ensure that the area on the patient's skin where the electrode is to be placed is clean and
free of all foreign matter. This includes powders, perfumes, and the like, as well as body
oils or dirt and grime. Cleaning with an alcohol wipe should be adequate. Allow the
alcohol to fully evaporate before applying the electrodes.
Iontophoresis occurs with all electronic therapies, and can drive any of the above-surface
contaminants below the epidural layer, where an allergic reaction may occur.
3. Make sure the electrodes being used are in good condition. The polyadhesive electrodes
should have good adhesion over the entire surface area of the electrode. The area where
the leads attach to the electrode (either through a lead or a snap) should not be damaged
such that the connection to the foil backing behind the adhesive is broken. Carbon
electrodes should be deep black, and should be free of cracks in the electrode surface.
4. Some patients tend to be much more sensitive to electrotherapy treatments. On patients
with this tendency, treat with reduced intensity and/or shorter treatment times, with
possibly more frequent treatments, if required. Most reactions are localized and very
short-lived, so limiting the exposure should minimize any potential for adverse reactions.

Carbon Electrodes

Carbon electrodes provide an economical means of delivering electrotherapy to patients (not
for use with microcurrent). This type of electrode lasts a long time and can be used again and
again. However, if they are not properly cared for, these electrodes can fail to deliver the
desired treatment and can present the possibility for injury to a patient.
To ensure greatest safety and effectiveness with your treatments, follow these rules when
using carbon electrodes.
1. Carbon electrodes must be well-moistened prior to treatment setup. Dry carbon
electrodes are very poor conductors of current and should NEVER be used. They may be
moistened with either water or an electrolyte spray. Water is adequate for short
treatments, but will evaporate too quickly for longer treatments. If water is used for
longer treatments, you may need to interrupt the treatment and remoisten the electrodes.
A special sponge fabric available with some carbon electrodes may be moistened well
and used as a conductive medium (do not use ordinary sponges for this purpose). Do not
use ultrasound gel as a conductive agent with carbon electrodes.
Ultrasound Technical Information
Dynatron
Any electrode which is suspect should be discarded—it's not worth
the price of an electrode to risk harming a patient.
850plus & 550plus
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