Frequently asked questions

from patients

General Information

What kind of information does PocketECG® provide my clinician?

PocketECG provides your clinician with complete information about your cardiac rhythms and your heart rate to help make a diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmia or to rule out any abnormalities or potentially serious heart conditions.

How long do I have to wear the monitor?

Your physician will decide the length of your cardiac study. PocketECG can monitor your heart for up to 30 days.

Will the monitor prevent me from having a stroke or a heart attack?

No. PocketECG is a diagnostic tool used to help detect cardiac arrhythmia. It cannot prevent a stroke or a heart attack.

Will you call EMS if I have a life-threatening arrhythmia?

No. MediLynx provides diagnostic cardiac rhythm analysis, but we do not provide emergency monitoring services. The results of your monitoring study are reported to your treating physician or other healthcare provider at the conclusion of your study. We also notify your healthcare provider of certain emergent rhythm data, based on criteria set by your provider. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, please call 911.

Do I wear a monitor all the time, even when I sleep?

Yes. The monitor should always be worn—except when showering, bathing, or swimming—unless otherwise instructed by your physician.

Connecting your device

Do I need an internet connection for the monitor to work at home?

No. PocketECG transmits your ECG data directly from the device to MediLynx using a cellular network.

What if I live in an area with poor or no cell service?

Don’t worry if you don’t have cell service or your cell service is poor. Your heart rhythm data is constantly recorded and stored in the device’s internal memory. If the cellular connection is interrupted, the device will continue to record your data and will transmit all the data once the connection is restored. If no cellular connection is available for the duration of your study, your data will be downloaded when you return your device to MediLynx.

How do I know if the monitor is properly connected and transmitting data?

If no ECG data is continuously transmitted, a MediLynx customer service specialist will contact you to troubleshoot the problem so your study resumes as quickly as possible. You can also contact customer service at 855-847-1009 to ensure that your device is connected properly and transmitting data.

Operating your device

My PocketECG kit includes two types of electrodes. Which set should I use?

Your PocketECG device comes with two types of latex-free, hypoallergenic electrodes for your convenience. Most patients start out with Vermed® foam electrodes in the silver packaging, since they adhere to the skin more easily. However, if you experience skin sensitivity or irritation, you may try the alternate electrodes. Feel free to contact customer service at 855-847-1009 for more information about the electrodes.

Do I need to replace my electrodes? If so, how often and when?

Yes. The electrodes are designed to be worn up to two days, but can be changed sooner if needed. Your PocketECG comes with a 30-day supply of each type of electrode, and additional electrodes can be provided if needed.

How do I replace my electrodes?

To change your electrodes, disconnect the lead wires from the electrodes, leaving the electrodes on the skin and the device detached. Using warm, soapy water, loosen the adhesive and gently remove the electrodes. Be sure not to get the PocketECG device wet. To reapply new electrodes, wait until the area is completely dry and free of any barriers between the skin and the electrode (hair, lotion, ointments, etc.). Replace the electrodes within 3 inches of the original placement to avoid skin irritation.

What should I do with my spare battery when it’s not in use?

You should always leave the spare battery on the charger when not in use, so that it’s fully charged when needed.

Why did my screen turn off when I was reporting a symptom?

The screen will turn off to conserve battery power if too much time passes while you’re selecting from the symptoms on the screen. The device will also turn off if the PocketECG button is held down for too long. If you need help reporting symptoms, call customer support at 855-847-1009 and a member from our customer service team will assist you.

What does it mean when my device reads “Report Symptoms,” even when I don’t have any symptoms?

The “Report Symptoms” screen acts as a “home screen” on the device, so if you do have any cardiac symptoms, you can easily tap on it and follow the prompts to report the symptoms.

Customer Service

Is there someone I can call with questions while I’m wearing the monitor?

Yes, please call us at 855-847-1009 and one of our customer service team members will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

If the device detects an unusual rhythm, will my doctor be notified?

If an unusual rhythm is detected according to criteria set by your doctor, your doctor will be notified and provided with a report.

Should I call the customer service number when I bathe or swim?

There’s no need to call customer service when you bathe or swim, but always be sure to remove the device prior to showering, bathing, or swimming. If you remove the device for more than six consecutive hours, a member from our customer service team may contact you.

Once my session is complete, may I obtain a copy of my report?

Yes, you may contact your physician for a copy of your report. Alternatively, MediLynx can provide you with a copy of your report if you complete and sign a medical release form. Please contact customer service for more information.

How do I get information on my cardiac rhythm and heart rate?

MediLynx provides your physician with a diagnostic report. Your physician then interprets the report to guide your next steps of care. Please contact your physician for any questions regarding your cardiac rhythm or your heart rate. However, as noted above, you can request a copy of your report from your physician or from MediLynx if you complete and sign a medical release form.