Why is skin/scalp prep necessary before applying surface electrodes?

The necessity of skin or scalp preparation before applying surface electrodes is primarily to remove dead skin cells, oil, and hair product residue. This cleaning process is critical because these substances can create a barrier between the skin and the electrode, hindering proper electrical connectivity. For effective intraoperative monitoring, clear conductivity is essential to accurately capture and transmit the neurophysiological signals.

By ensuring that the skin is clean and free from any oils or contaminants, the impedance at the electrode-skin interface is significantly reduced, leading to better signal quality and reliability. This step is fundamental in obtaining accurate readings for neuromonitoring during surgical procedures, where precise information is essential.

Other considerations like infection prevention and enhancing adhesion are important as well, but the direct function of the prep in facilitating optimal signal quality hinges on the removal of unwanted surface materials.