What should be done first if 60 Hz artifact is present in two channels of an EEG?

When 60 Hz artifact is present in two channels of an EEG, the first step is to check electrode impedance. This is crucial because electrode impedance can significantly impact the quality of the EEG signal and may contribute to the presence of artifacts. High or uneven impedance can result in poor signal quality and amplify external noise, such as the 60 Hz artifact commonly associated with electrical interference from power sources.

By checking the electrode impedance, the technologist can identify whether the electrodes are properly connected and functioning correctly. If the impedance is high or unequal across the electrodes, addressing this issue might help eliminate the artifact before considering other actions, such as repositioning the patient or checking the equipment.

Turning off the equipment or changing the channels would not address the underlying cause of the artifact and may only be temporary solutions that do not resolve the issue effectively. Therefore, assessing electrode impedance is the most logical and systematic first step in troubleshooting the presence of 60 Hz artifact in the EEG recording.