electroencephalograph technician Interview Questions and Answers

1. What is an electroencephalogram (EEG)?

   • Answer: An EEG is a test that measures the electrical activity in the brain using small, metal discs (electrodes) attached to the scalp. It detects abnormalities in brain wave patterns that may indicate neurological conditions such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, head injuries, or brain tumors.

2. Describe the process of preparing a patient for an EEG.

   • Answer: Preparation involves explaining the procedure to the patient, ensuring they understand and consent. The patient's hair needs to be clean and free of hair products. The scalp is then cleaned with an abrasive solution to remove oils and improve electrode contact. Electrodes are applied to the scalp using a conductive gel.

3. How many electrodes are typically used in an EEG?

   • Answer: The number of electrodes varies depending on the type of EEG and the clinical question, but typically ranges from 16 to 256, with a common number being 19.

4. Explain the 10-20 International System.

   • Answer: The 10-20 system is a standardized method for placing electrodes on the scalp. It ensures consistent placement across different individuals and studies, making results comparable. It's based on percentages of the distance between anatomical landmarks (nasion and inion).

5. What are some common artifacts seen in EEG recordings?

   • Answer: Common artifacts include eye blinks (ocular artifacts), muscle movements (electromyographic artifacts), and electrical interference from equipment (power line noise). Also, movement artifacts and sweat artifacts can significantly affect the data.

6. How do you identify and mitigate artifacts in an EEG?

   • Answer: Artifact identification involves visual inspection of the EEG tracing. Mitigating techniques include asking the patient to remain still, using appropriate electrode placement and impedance checks, shielding the equipment from electrical interference, and applying artifact rejection techniques during data analysis.

7. What is impedance, and why is it important in EEG?

   • Answer: Impedance is the resistance to the flow of electrical current. Low impedance is crucial for obtaining a clear EEG signal. High impedance can lead to noisy recordings and inaccurate results. Technicians carefully check and adjust electrode impedance before and during the recording.

8. What are the different types of EEG recordings?

   • Answer: There are routine EEGs, sleep-deprived EEGs, ambulatory EEGs (long-term recordings), and video EEGs (simultaneous video and EEG recording).

9. What is a sleep-deprived EEG?

   • Answer: A sleep-deprived EEG is performed after the patient has been deprived of sleep for a specific period, usually 24 hours or more. This is because sleep deprivation can sometimes increase the likelihood of detecting abnormal brain activity in conditions like epilepsy.

10. Explain the different brain wave patterns (delta, theta, alpha, beta, gamma).

    • Answer: Delta waves (0.5-4 Hz) are associated with deep sleep. Theta waves (4-8 Hz) are associated with drowsiness and light sleep. Alpha waves (8-13 Hz) are associated with relaxation and wakefulness with eyes closed. Beta waves (13-30 Hz) are associated with alertness and active thinking. Gamma waves (30+ Hz) are associated with higher cognitive functions.

11. What safety precautions should be taken during an EEG?

    • Answer: Safety precautions include ensuring the equipment is properly grounded, checking for allergies to the electrode gel, monitoring the patient for any adverse reactions, and being aware of potential seizure activity. Knowing how to respond to seizures is crucial.

12. How do you ensure patient comfort during a prolonged EEG?

    • Answer: Comfort is maintained by ensuring a relaxed atmosphere, offering breaks as needed, allowing the patient to use the restroom, providing pillows for support, and generally interacting with the patient in a calming and professional manner.

13. What is your experience with digital EEG systems?

    • Answer: [Candidate should describe their experience with digital EEG systems, including specific software and hardware used, their comfort level with digital data analysis and troubleshooting.]

14. How familiar are you with different types of electrode types and their applications?

    • Answer: [Candidate should discuss different electrode types, such as scalp electrodes, needle electrodes, and subdermal electrodes, and their appropriate use in various clinical scenarios.]

15. Describe your experience with troubleshooting EEG equipment.

    • Answer: [Candidate should detail their experience troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, including identifying and resolving issues related to electrode impedance, amplifier gain, and signal noise.]

16. How do you maintain EEG equipment?

    • Answer: Regular cleaning and disinfection of electrodes and equipment is essential. Following manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance and calibration is also crucial. Regular checks of cables and connections for wear and tear are vital for reliable operation.

17. What is your understanding of HIPAA regulations and patient confidentiality?

    • Answer: I understand HIPAA regulations require the strict protection of patient health information. This includes maintaining patient privacy, securing electronic records, and following appropriate protocols for handling and sharing patient data. I am committed to adhering to all HIPAA regulations.

18. How do you handle a situation where a patient becomes anxious or distressed during the procedure?

    • Answer: I would remain calm and reassuring, explain the procedure again in simple terms, and offer comfort measures such as a blanket or a quiet environment. If the anxiety is severe, I would consult with the supervising physician or nurse.

19. What are your computer skills? What software are you familiar with?

    • Answer: [Candidate should list their computer skills and mention any EEG software they are proficient in, such as NeuroScan, Persyst, or other relevant software.]

20. What are your teamwork skills like? Give an example.

    • Answer: [Candidate should provide a specific example of their teamwork skills in a previous role, demonstrating collaboration and effective communication.]

21. Describe a challenging situation you faced as an EEG technician and how you overcame it.

    • Answer: [Candidate should describe a specific challenging situation and detail how they approached and resolved the issue, showcasing problem-solving skills and resourcefulness.]

22. How do you stay updated on the latest advancements in EEG technology and techniques?

    • Answer: I regularly attend conferences and workshops, read professional journals, and participate in online courses to keep my knowledge current. I also stay informed through professional organizations and online resources dedicated to EEG technology.

23. What are your salary expectations?

    • Answer: [Candidate should research the average salary for EEG technicians in their area and provide a range that reflects their experience and skills.]

24. Why are you interested in this position?

    • Answer: [Candidate should articulate their interest in the position, highlighting their skills and experience relevant to the job description and their career goals.]

25. What are your long-term career goals?

    • Answer: [Candidate should describe their long-term career aspirations, demonstrating ambition and professional development.]

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