This refresher course re-introduces you to the range of applied physics concepts that are used in neurophysiology including workplace safety.  To understand the operation of the recording equipment as well as to interpret the results of the tests we perform we need to have a basic knowledge of physics.

Calibration of the neurophysiological recording equipment is essential to ensure the apparatus is functioning to optimal performance.  We check the sensitivity, filters, time base, noise level and impedance to name a few.  Interpreting the neurophysiology waveforms requires knowledge of amplitudes, frequencies, time and velocity. You will see in this course how all these concepts are related to the basics of physics.

The more specific areas from the ANSA Competency Statements are listed below.

ANSA Inc EEG Competency Statements

Core Knowledge

• Identify and explain the implication and use of frequency filters

• Identify the recording parameters and how they differ from display parameters including sensitivity and filters

• Identify advantages and disadvantages of different types of electrodes

• Explain the measurement of impedance 

• Identify the importance of equal and low impedances in electrode application

Preparation

• Perform routine maintenance of equipment
• Prepare and check equipment is working according to manufacturer’s specifications. 

Equipment

• Amplifiers
  • identify and explain the implication and use of frequency filters on the EEG

Recording

• Identify the appropriate electrode impedance for EEG
  • measure electrode impedance 
• Perform calibration and machine check
  • explain the importance and the information provided by the calibration signal including display alignment, sensitivity, linearity, centring, damping, high frequency filters, low frequency filters, time constant, display speed, machine noise
• Recognise artefacts 
  • identify artefacts and their source 
    • instrumental and or environmental artefacts

Factual reports

• Describe the waveforms by means of
  • frequency
  • amplitude

ANSA Inc. Evoked Potential (EP) Competency Statements

Interpreting Data

• Identify the EP waveforms
  • identify normal waveforms including latencies and amplitude of the expected EP appropriate for age and normative data
  • identify abnormal waveforms including latencies, amplitudes, and side to side differences according to age and normative data

Presenting EP for reporting

• Present tabulated data (latencies and amplitudes) for interpretation