Safety Information: FAQ

Can the Recording Chronaxie Meter be used with a needle electrode?

Precaution Regarding Use of Recording Chronaxie Meter

No, do not use the Recording Chronaxie Meter as a low-frequency therapy device with needle electrodes (electro-acupuncture.)
When using needle electrodes for low-frequency therapy, please use a device specifically intended for low-frequency therapy.
OG Wellness’ certification for the manufacture and sales of the Recording Chronaxie Meter as a designated-control medical device (pharmaceutical application) states its purpose of use and efficacy as follows:
“For the measurement of intensity-duration (intensity-time,) and use for stimulation of nerves and muscle for transdermal pain relief and improvement of muscle contraction.”
Accordingly, its structure, configuration and specifications are not intended for use with needle electrodes.

Can low-frequency therapy be performed on persons with pacemakers?

Do not perform low-frequency therapy on patients with heart disease or patients with pacemakers.

Can microwave therapy be performed on persons with pacemakers?

Do not perform microwave therapy on patients with heart disease or patients with pacemakers.

When using gel electrodes for low-frequency therapy, are there any precautions that should be taken compared with using suction electrodes?

Compared with suction electrodes, gel electrodes create lower contact resistance with the skin, facilitating the flow of electric current. Also, owing to their reduced electrical irritation of the skin, use of gel electrodes may be prone to higher electric current setting than would be used with suction electrodes.
Accordingly, the output current value must always be verified via the device’s electric current display.
Furthermore, for first-time low-frequency therapy patients, start with a lower-range electric current setting, and gradually increase or decrease the setting with each treatment taking care to check the patient for skin irritation.
Particular care must be taken to use low electric currents with patients with sensitive skin, and elderly patients.

In order to protect users of specialty bath systems from infection by legionella bacteria, what kinds of measures should be taken for product upkeep, disinfection and sterilization of bath water?

In order to prevent infection with Legionnaire’s disease, OG Wellness provides guidance on product upkeep for specialty bath systems in accordance with the MHLW Health Policy Bureau’s “Manual for Legionnaire’s Disease Prevention with Circulating Baths.” Please contact your nearest OG Wellness sales location with your specialty bath’s model number and serial number for more information.

In order to protect hydrotherapy patients from infection by legionella bacteria, what kinds of measures should be taken for product upkeep, disinfection and cleaning?

Please refer to OG Wellness’ documentation “Hygienic Practices for Use with Hydrotherapy Devices.”

What kinds of precautions should be taken while the bath unit is ascending or descending?

Keep clear from beneath the elevating part of the bath unit, and keep your knees, etc from pressing strongly against the side cover of the tub. There is potential for injury due to becoming caught in moving parts, and damage to the product. Please refer to the product’s instruction manual for further details.

What precautions should be taken against burns with low-frequency treatment?

Precautions Regarding Low-frequency Treatment and Burns

SYMPTOMS
Excess flow of electric current used in treatment may cause cell damage or cell disruption resulting in burn-like symptoms.
N.B. While the symptoms are similar, the causes of this condition are different than those of heat-induced burns.

CAUSES
This phenomenon may occur when treatment is begun with the electrode poorly mounted and the treatment current is set larger than usual, or when actual current is made to exceed the treatment current setting due to a change in the state of connection between electrode and skin.

Treatment using an adhesive electrode whose adhesive gel has deteriorated.
Treatment using a suction electrode or heating electrode with insufficient moisture in the sponge.
Treatment using electrode cords or connectors with bad electrical connections.

* Designation of electric current as “large” or “small” refers to the value of the current per unit of area (current density.)
Given the same intensity of stimulation, when the electrode is poorly mounted, current density tends to increase.

EXAMPLE
Well-mounted Electrode
(Electrode is fully in contact with skin.)

Current Density:
20÷14≈1.4mA/cm²
Electric Current Value: 20mA

Poorly Mounted Electrode
(Electrode is only in partial contact with skin.)

Current Density:
20÷5≈4.0mA/cm²

Current density is three times greater than for well mounted electrode, equivalent to triple the stimulation to the skin.
Electric Current Value: 20mA

CAUTION
Electrode Upkeep and Use

Make sure that the surface of the electrode is fully mounted against the skin.
Do not use adhesive gel whose adhesive properties have deteriorated.
Always carefully monitor the level of moisture in electrode sponges, and wet regularly to ensure sufficient moisture. (In particular, with heating electrodes, make sure to monitor effects of evaporations moisture content.)
Replace damaged electrode cords, electrodes and electrode sponges as soon as possible.

For Patients and Caregivers

At the same treatment current, the potential for burn symptoms may vary per individual. Always take care in deciding the amount of current for treatment.
The displayed value of electric current should be used as a general reference for setting the current for treatment; always take the patient’s particular condition into consideration when deciding actual treatment current value. Always monitor the patient during treatment, and halt treatment in case of any irregularity.
When repeatedly treating the same part of the body, the stimulation effects on skin cells can become accumulated, making the patient more prone to burn symptoms. When repeating treatment on the same part of the body, use a lower electric current setting for treatment.
For patients who request stronger stimulation, explain the efficacy of normal treatment current values, and the adverse effects of excessively strong current.
Always take care in assessing the suitability of treatment for patients with impaired sensory perception or circulatory disorders, and patients with dementia. If the patient is unable to report or recognize his own discomfort, there is an increased risk of creating burn symptoms.

Can low-frequency treatment be used on persons with reduced sensory perception?

Persons with reduced sensory perception and circulatory disorders may be unable to promptly report discomfort resulting from treatment, increasing the risk of burn symptoms. Always take care in assessing the suitability of treatment for the individual patient.

What training materials are available for caregiver staff to promote safe use of specialty bath units?

Please refer to OG Wellness’ “Bathing Accident Prevention Poster” and “Stretcher Safety Precautions” for training materials for caregiver staff. Waterproof, mountable copies of the “Bathing Accident Prevention Poster” are also available. Please contact your nearest OG Wellness sales location for more information.

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