Quality & safety · Beginner
Exclude technical artifacts first
Temperature, distance & artifacts
Rechecking distance and limb temperature often improves interpretation more than another test.
01Before acquisition
- Record skin temperature and warm the limb for the chosen method. This atlas uses source conditions above 32°C for the hand and above 31°C for the foot.
- Check skin contact, ground, posture, G1/G2 placement and filter settings.
02When a response is unexpected
- Establish an amplitude plateau and obtain supramaximal stimulation according to the technique.
- Deep proximal nerves can be difficult to stimulate. Consider insufficient stimulation, co-stimulation and movement artifact.
- Cold can prolong latency, slow velocity and alter amplitude or morphology; do not immediately label demyelination.
03Across joints
- Fix elbow position and measure the curved course for ulnar across-elbow studies.
- Small distance errors disproportionately affect short segments. Confirm unexpected findings.
Related nerves
Pause and explain
Explain in your own words: “When a waveform contradicts the anatomy, revalidate acquisition conditions.” Then think of a situation in which it could be misinterpreted.
Show a review prompt
Mathematical temperature correction is not a substitute for appropriate warming and repeat recording.
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References and further reading
- Pitfalls in Using Electrophysiological Studies to Diagnose Neuromuscular Disorders (2012) ↗Journal of Clinical Neurology · Peer-reviewed review · Link accessed 2026-09-08
- Upper and Lower Extremity Nerve Conduction Studies (2023) ↗AANEM · Technical course · Link accessed 2026-09-08
Educational synthesis; independent neuromuscular specialist review is pending. Publication dates and compilation dates are distinct. This is an original teaching synthesis; consult the source for complete methods and criteria.