How to upload images and electrocardiogram (ECG) readings?

From the Guidelines

To upload images and electrocardiogram (ECG) readings, utilize the virtual clinic platforms that integrate information from photos, video, mobile heart rhythm, and mobile health devices recording ECG, as recommended by the latest guidelines 1.

Key Steps for Uploading

• Ensure files are in compatible formats such as JPEG, PNG, or PDF for images, and PDF or specific ECG formats like XML, DCM, or EDF for electrocardiograms.
• Look for an upload button on the platform, typically represented by a cloud icon with an upward arrow or labeled "Upload," "Attach," or "Add Files."
• Navigate to where your files are stored on your device, select them, and confirm the upload.
• For medical systems, consider using specialized software that connects directly to ECG machines or PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) as mentioned in the study 1.

Considerations for Medical Uploads

• Be aware of potential size limitations or required file types, and compress or convert files as necessary.
• Adhere to patient privacy protocols when uploading to a medical record system, ensuring files are associated with the correct patient record.
• Leverage digital tools such as direct-to-consumer mobile ECG and wireless blood pressure devices to complement telehealth visits without in-person contact, as suggested by recent practice updates 1.

From the Research

Uploading Images and ECG Readings

To upload images and electrocardiogram (ECG) readings, several factors need to be considered, including the format of the ECG data and the standards used for storage and exchange.

• The process of digital ECG retrieval and management remains complicated and cumbersome, with the risk of ECGs being considered "just" an image rather than a voltage-versus-time signal 2.
• DICOM is an international standard for the communication and storage of medical information, including images and waveforms, and can be used to convert SCP-ECG into DICOM ECGs 3.
• ECG signals are acquired and processed using various components, including filters to reduce artifacts, and can be displayed using user-selectable filters 4.
• The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a crucial diagnostic tool for guiding emergency treatment strategies, and its classification is important for diagnosing acute coronary syndromes 5.
• Automated diagnostic reports can be generated from images of ECGs using AI-based systems, such as the ECG-GPT model, which can generate free-text, expert-level diagnosis statements directly from ECG images 6.

ECG Data Formats and Standards

The following ECG data formats and standards are relevant to uploading images and ECG readings:

• DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) is a standard for the communication and storage of medical information, including images and waveforms 3.
• SCP-ECG (Standard Communication Protocol for Electrocardiography) is a European standard for resting ECGs, which can be converted into DICOM ECGs 3.
• HL7 (Health Level Seven) is a standard for the exchange of health information, which can be used in conjunction with DICOM and SCP-ECG 2.

Technical Considerations

When uploading images and ECG readings, the following technical considerations should be taken into account:

• The use of filters to reduce artifacts in ECG signals, such as high-pass, low-pass, and notch filters 4.
• The conversion of ECG data into a suitable format for storage and exchange, such as DICOM or SCP-ECG 3.
• The use of AI-based systems, such as the ECG-GPT model, to generate automated diagnostic reports from images of ECGs 6.