Mobile Cardiac Telemetry (MCT) – Real-Time Outpatient ECG Monitoring
Real Time ECG Monitoring on an Outpatient basis is known today as Mobile Cardiac Telemetry (MCT or MCOT™). Mobile cardiac telemetry is a continuous form of outpatient ECG (electrocardiogram) that monitors the patient 24 hours a day, for a period of up to 30 days. MCT is a relatively new form of ambulatory cardiac monitoring proven to be a reliable & efficient method to monitor the patient ECG information while the patient is performing activities during the day or during sleep.
MCT monitoring is unique because the technology automatically detects & transmitted ECG rhythm to a remote diagnostic monitoring laboratory without any patient involvement. MCT monitoring technology is advancing beyond other forms of cardiac monitoring with this automated capability executed in real time. The diagnostic laboratory that receives the abnormal ECG activity is comprised of certified & trained personnel under the general supervision of a physician.
The technicians in the diagnostic laboratory must have immediate, 24-hour access to a physician to review transmitted data and make clinical decisions regarding the patient. The technician should are trained how to activate emergency medical response to assist the patient in case of an emergency. The ability to respond immediately when clinically important events occur is the major advantage of real-time continuous MCT monitoring compared to other forms of Ambulatory Cardiac Monitoring.
Mobile Cardiac Telemetry (MCT) monitoring is now largely considered superior compared to other forms of Ambulatory Cardiac Monitoring (Holter or Event Monitoring) primarily because Mobile Cardiac Telemetry (MCT) technology is capable of automatically transmitting (without patient involvement) the electrocardiographic data at the time of occurrence. With this being the case, physicians are now presented with a new method of patient management as medical professionals can now interact with their patients in real time to optimize patient care.
Several studies have been performed documenting Mobile Cardiac Telemetry (MCT) to be a superior method of detecting cardiac arrhythmias compared to traditional 30 Day Cardiac Event Monitors. The results prove MCT to be clinically superior in confirming the diagnosis of significant cardiac arrhythmias whether the patient felt the symptom or not. Further, no patient interaction is necessary which removes an important variable that has limited the diagnostic utility of other Ambulatory Cardiac Monitoring modalities. The future for this technology is bright as it progresses to expedite & improve the quality of clinical diagnosis.
