Biosignal artifacts

Introduction: Biosignal artifacts may be defined as any unwanted interference which alters the accuracy of the reading obtained from the electrophysiological structure being studied. These may be caused by errors in the accusation of data such as patient movement, due to surrounding bioelectrical signals from other tissues or by the malfunctioning of the device that is utilised. Artifacts are found in EEGs, ECGs , These can be from both external as well as internal sources.

External Sources:
 * 1) AC interference
 * 2) Reversed leads
 * 3) Poor contact causing interaction of signals between gel and other body fluids

Internal Sources
 * 1) signals produced by muscles and other organs
 * 2) artifacts emanating from the surface of the epidermis

Clinical Importance: These artifacts do not any real significance clinically and are instead these ought to be removed. There are various methods involved in the removal of artifacts. removal of artifacts can be done by making sure the patient is relaxed and does not move or speak, utilising the filters present in the device such as muscle filters , making sure the electrodes or transducers are not gel-dry and are moist. Artifact removal is primarily used in EEGs (electroencephalograms) and ECGs (electrocardiograms). The build up of oils and proper lubrication between the two adjoining media is also key method of removal. These biosignals after being filtered and cleared of artifacts are safe to be used to check for fluctuations in the patients physical or mental state in the field of surgery or or in the diagnosis of symptoms for a disease.

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