Which term refers to the process of ensuring that an ECG taken on one machine will compare to a tracing taken on another machine?

• A. Standardization
• B. Standardization mark
• C. Tracing
• D. Treadmill test

Answer: (A)

Standardization is the process of calibrating an ECG machine so that readings from one device can be meaningfully compared with those from another. This involves adjusting the machine’s gain so that 1 millivolt of electrical activity produces a standard deflection on the tracing (typically 10 mm) and using the standard paper speed (usually 25 mm per second). With proper standardization, the size and timing of waves align across different machines, making inter-device comparisons reliable. You may also see a standardization mark on a tracing, which shows that the calibration check was performed; the idea here is the calibration itself—standardization.