Do I need to take off my underwear for a physical examination and electrocardiogram

Physical examination and electrocardiogram usually require taking off underwear. Electrocardiogram examination requires the electrode pads to be directly attached to the skin, and underwear may affect the adhesion of the electrode pads and the accuracy of the examination results.

Electrocardiogram examination is a common method of evaluating cardiac function by recording cardiac electrical activity. To ensure sufficient contact between the electrode pad and the skin, it is usually necessary to expose the skin in areas such as the chest, wrist, and ankle. Female subjects need to take off their underwear, especially those with metal parts, as metals may interfere with the transmission of electrical signals. During the examination process, medical staff will provide disposable examination gowns or towels to protect the privacy of the examinee. The inspection environment is usually an independent compartment to ensure the privacy of the inspection process. For special circumstances, such as the examinee being unable to remove their underwear due to personal reasons, they can communicate with medical staff in advance. Some medical institutions may provide special electrode pads or adjust examination methods, but this may affect the accuracy of examination results. If the underwear material is thin and does not contain metal, sometimes the electrode position can be adjusted under the guidance of medical staff to complete the examination, but this is not a standard operating procedure.

It is recommended that the examinee wear loose and easy to remove clothing for the examination, and women can choose a front button top for easy inspection. Before the examination, the skin should be kept clean and dry to avoid using moisturizer or talcum powder that may affect the adhesion of the electrode pads. During the examination, relax your body and avoid speaking or moving to ensure clear and accurate electrocardiogram waveforms are obtained. If there are any questions or discomfort, medical staff should be informed promptly.