Wash or sanitize your hands
Gather the ECG machine, electrodes, lead wires, and gel or skin-prep supplies
Explain the procedure to the patient
Confirm patient identity
Ask the patient to remove clothing from the chest, wrists, and ankles
Position the patient lying flat and relaxed
Expose the chest while maintaining privacy
Clean and dry the skin where electrodes will be placed
Shave excess hair if needed for good electrode contact
Attach the limb electrodes to both wrists and both ankles
Place the chest electrodes on the correct precordial positions
Connect all lead wires to the electrodes
Ask the patient to remain still and breathe normally
Start the ECG recording
Check the tracing for quality and repeat if needed
Remove the electrodes after the test
Clean the skin and help the patient dress
Label and save or print the ECG recording
Document the test details and report any urgent abnormalities