EMG System Buying Guide

It’s no surprise that purchasing a new EMG System can be a bit of a headache. With so many brands, features, accessories, variants, and machines, there’s a lot to consider after all. At MFI Medical we strive to make the customer shopping experience as easy as can be and part of that is helping our customers understand exactly what they’re getting with all of our products, as well as the benefits.

Over the past few weeks we’ve highlighted some of the biggest advantages of EMG systems, and now we’re coalescing that information to a single handy buying guide to make choosing the perfect system for your practice headache-free.

Plus, we offer a full line of EMG EP systems and supplies like footswitches, headphones, electrodes, conductive gels, and more from some of the top brands in the industry like Cadwell, Nicolet, Rhythymlink, Technomed, Nihon Kohden, TECA, and Xltek making us your one-stop shop for all your EMG needs.

Top Brands

1) Cadwell

Cadwell is an international medical device company that specializes in the manufacturing of neurodiagnostic and electrodiagnostic medical equipment and supplies. Best known for the Cadwell Sierra Wave EMG and the Cadwell Easy Ambulatory EEG System, MFI Medical highly recommends Cadwell for your neurodiagnostic and EMG needs.

2) TECA

Offering an extensive line of EMG machines and accessories that includes cables and electrodes, TECA produces some of the EMG equipment available today. At MFI Medical we are proud to carry a broad selection of the most popular TECA products such as the TECA Synergy N2 EMG Machine, the TECA Synergy T2X NCS 2 Channel EMG Machine, the TECA Elite Concentric Needle Holder Cable, TECA Elite Disposable Concentric Needles, and more.

3) Xltek

Xltek is an industry leader when it comes to neurodiagnostic equipment like EEG, PSG, and IOM systems that are specially designed to be used by neurologists to diagnose and monitor patients for sleep disorders and more. So when you shop for Xltek EMGs at MFI Medical, you’re sure to get some of the best products on the market today.

To get more information about these top-shelf brands read our post about the The Top 3 EMG Systems: Cadwell vs TECA vs Xltek .

Top Features

1) Portability and Flexibility

Most EMG systems have a variety of uses, so the ability to use it on the move or for multiple test types can be crucial. Because of this, having an EMG machine, like the TECA Synergy N2 EMG Machine, that’s adaptable and features a laptop computer is highly recommended.

2) A Large Powerhouse

On the other hand, if your exam room is more conducive to a stationary operation, a larger, more powerful EMG, such as the Cadwell Sierra II Wedge EMG System, may be better suited for your needs. Capable of accommodating almost any need, larger units boast most of the features of portable units in a single-room, rooted format.

3) Online Reports

The accessibility and readiness of results and reports can set an EMG system apart from the competition. From online access, to customizable reports, and immediate access to results, choosing an EMG system, similar to the Cadwell Sierra II Wedge EMG System, with a state-of-the-art reporting system is one of the best choices you can make.

4) Faster Testing

The faster testing can occur, the faster your patients can be diagnosed, making this one of the most important features you can find in an EMG system. With this in mind, making sure that you choose an EMG system, like the TECA Synergy T2X NCS EMG Machine, that has all the bells and whistles necessary is one of the most important aspects to consider when making a purchase.

5) Electrical Stimulator Probe

Patient comfort is of the utmost importance when using an EMG system. Machines such as the Nicolet EDX EMG/NCS/EP/IOM System, that come with the right electrical stimulator probe make it easy for you to ensure that your patient will be comfortable throughout the entire procedure and that you’ll get the most accurate results possible in the process.

To get more information about the best features to have in your EMG system and which machines you can find those features in read our post about the 5 Must Have Features in your EMG System .

Top Supplies

1) Weaver Ten20 Conductive Paste

Preferred by expert technologists and technicians the world over and available in 2 oz jars, 4 oz jars, 4 oz tubes, and 8 oz jars, Weaver Ten20 Conductive Paste is the perfect balance of adhesiveness and conductivity. It enables the electrodes to remain securely in place, while also allowing the transmittance of electrical signals. This means you will no longer have to disrupt a test to reattach the electrodes and this reliable paste will conduct the signal that you are relying on for clear results.

2) Parker Spectra 360 Electrode Gel

The only salt-free and chloride-free electrically conductive gel, Parker Spectra 360 Electrode Gel comes in either 2 oz or 8.5 gel tubes. Recommended for all electromedical procedures, except defibrillation, the salt-free characteristics of this top-of-the-line gel makes it the perfect choice for long-term applications. It differs significantly from all other electrically conductive media - it works by wetting the skin, thereby reducing skin resistance.

3) MFI Medical Reusable EMG Ground Electrode

Made out of solid stainless steel and TPE plastic, the MFI Medical Reusable EMG Ground Electrode is used to ground the patient to the EMG machine for the cleanest possible signal. Produced in the USA, this high-quality electrode is compatible with Cadwell, Natus, Nicolet, Nihon Kohden, Teca Synergy, Xltek, and more. It’s comparable to the Cadwell Round Ground Plate Electrode (#302189-200) or the Natus Disc Ground Electrode (#9013L0862).

4) MFI Medical Ring EMG Electrodes

Used for sensory nerve stimulation and recording, the MFI Medical Ring EMG Electrodes feature a molded grip for convenient handling and an adjustable slider that moves smoothly and locks firmly in one moton. It’s compatible with most EMG systems (Cadwell, Natus, Nicolet, Nihon Kohden, Teca, Synergy, Xltek, and more), but conductive gel should still be used on each ring. These top-tier electrodes are made in the USA and are comparable to Cadwell Rings with Twisted Leads (#302143-200) or Natus Stimulating/Recording Large Digital Ring Electrodes (#9013S0332).

5) MFI Medical Bar EMG Electrode

Constructed from TPE plastic and stainless steel and commonly used for surface stimulation, motor nerve conduction studies, and as stimulating points for evoked potential studies, the MFI Medical Bar EMG Electrode is proudly made in the USA. It is compatible with Cadwell, Natus, Nicolet, Nihon Kohden, Teca Synergy, Xltek, and more EMG systems, this top-shelf electrode is comparable to the Cadwell Concave Bar (#302247-200) and the Natus Bipolar Bar Stimulating Electrode (#019-446700).

To learn more about supplies and accessories for your EMG system read our blog about the Top 5 Supplies for your EMG System and browse our full selection of EMG systems and supplies.

Top Systems

1) Cadwell Sierra II Wedge EMG System - Certified Refurbished

The Sierra II Wedge is one of the most innovative neurodiagnostic instruments on the market today. Extremely portable, the Sierra II Wedge features a base unit that weighs just 6 lb and is available as either a 2 or 4-channel design with an amplifier that is incredibly quiet. Each unit features a fast recovery design that reduces shock artifact and produces results quickly. It also includes a Dell E5540 laptop with an Intel i5 processor, 500 GB hard drive, and 8 GB RAM along with optional auditory, visual, and electrical evoked potential stimuli capabilities to expand the functionality even further. Plus, MFI Medical’s team of expert engineers have certified that each and every refurbished Sierra II Wedge we sell meets proper operating specifications and will arrive at your door in excellent condition.o you can shop for your next EMG system with the confidence that you’re getting nothing but the best available units.

2) Nicolet EDX EMG/NCS/EP/IOM System - Certified Refurbished

Powered by your choice of Viking or Synergy software, the Nicolet EDX EMG/NCS/EP/IOM System is an industry-leading electrodiagnostic system that is capable of measuring nerve and muscle function, in addition to providing intraoperative monitoring for the operating room. This innovative hardware/software platform combines clinical workflow with a user interface to reduce artifacts, reduce operator errors, and improve ease of use. As such this Nicolet system provides the highest-quality electrodiagnostic studies for routine examinations, but also for challenging cases in difficult clinical environments such as the operating room for IOM studies. Plus, with this top-of-the-line system, you can take advantage of a plethora of beneficial features like customizable reports, online reports for immediate access to all results, automation of test procedures, flexible data control, automatic markers, and more.

3) TECA Synergy N2 EMG Machine - Certified Refurbished

Perfect for saving you time and optimizing patient results, the TECA Synergy N2 EMG Machine is ideally suited for use in your clinic or for travelling between sites. Weighing just 10 lb, the N2 is extremely portable and each unit plugs straight into a notebook-PC for EMG. Designed for 2-channel testing capability, this state-of-the-art machine also features longer LivePlay, giving you 360 seconds on the 2 channels of EMG.Each unit comes with NCS, routine EMG, SEP, and Microsoft Word reporting software.

4) Xltek NeuroMax 1002 EMG - Certified Refurbished

Designed with a lightweight, “ruggedized” chassis without any electromechanical moving parts, the Xltek NeuroMax 1002 EMG is one of the most durable EMG devices available today. Certified by MFI’s team of skilled engineers, the NeuroMax 1002 is designed to focus on signal quality and clinical efficiency. Featuring SSAR (Smart Shock Artifact Rejection), this top-tier EMG delivers clean, stable EMG baselines and also ensures instantaneous recovery from stimulus artifact in a stimulated test subject. Each unit is capable of saving data to a fully customizable report, which you can print on a standard printer or transfer via USB for further analysis, making it much easier to store and organize patient data.

5) Nicolet Viking Quest EMG - Certified Refurbished

The Nicolet Viking Quest EMG can be entirely customized to meet your specific needs. Featuring automated study and an anatomy database, this first-rate EMG is extremely efficient and helps optimize patient results. Also sporting the V-Link component of VIASYS Data Exchange System (VDEX), with a Viking Quest EMG you can seamlessly communicate with your hospital or clinic information system, reducing the potential for error through manual data entry. Since it’s easy to operate, this EMG system gives you real bang for your buck.

To learn more about each of these state-of-the-art systems check out their dedicated product pages or read our blog post about the Top 5 EMG Systems for Neurologists .

Keep your eyes peeled and continue to check out our blog for more on EMG EP systems and supplies in the future. When you’re ready to shop for a new system, or if you want to supplement a past purchase, be sure to visit our ever changing specials page to take advantage of our current promotions. You can also contact one of our EMG experts directly via the chat button in the bottom right corner of your screen or at (800) 633-1558 if you have any further questions.