The 60-Hz notch filter is used to eliminate which type of artifact in EKG recordings?

The 60-Hz notch filter is used to eliminate which type of artifact in EKG recordings?

• A. Sweat artifact
• B. Muscle artifact
• C. Artifact from the EKG
• D. Artifact generated from electrical devices

Answer: (C)

Power-line interference shows up as a narrow-band noise at 60 Hz in ECG recordings. A notch filter at 60 Hz specifically attenuates that single frequency, reducing the unwanted electrical noise from electrical devices and wiring while leaving the rest of the ECG signal intact. Sweat artifacts tend to cause slow baseline drift, not a fixed 60 Hz tone. Muscle (EMG) artifacts are higher-frequency and more variable, not a steady 60 Hz interference. The heart’s electrical signal itself isn’t something you’d filter out with a notch—the goal is to remove the external noise. So the notch filter is used to eliminate noise generated by electrical devices.

Power-line interference shows up as a narrow-band noise at 60 Hz in ECG recordings. A notch filter at 60 Hz specifically attenuates that single frequency, reducing the unwanted electrical noise from electrical devices and wiring while leaving the rest of the ECG signal intact. Sweat artifacts tend to cause slow baseline drift, not a fixed 60 Hz tone. Muscle (EMG) artifacts are higher-frequency and more variable, not a steady 60 Hz interference. The heart’s electrical signal itself isn’t something you’d filter out with a notch—the goal is to remove the external noise. So the notch filter is used to eliminate noise generated by electrical devices.