AFIB false positive

[Gabbee]

(I posted this here before but it got mysteriously moved to the Charge 4 group.])

A couple of days ago I had a false positive Atrial Fibrillation result on my Charge 5, followed immediately by 2 sinus results. To my untrained eye the ECG didn't look like AF, just relatively weak pulse peaks slightly above the noise. (I would have posted the ECG here but apparently we can't do attachments.)

I knew I didn't have AF because my pulse wasn't raised and there were no other symptoms.

I guess a false positive is better than a false negative.

[Wibby]

Hello @Gabbee 

I'm afraid I can't help with the ECG as I don't have it in my country yet, but I can help with the attachments.

If you want to post a screenshot from your computer, when you start typing your reply, there's a camera icon on the right (next to the 3 dots).  If you click on that, you can choose which file you want to post and follow the instructions from there.

If you're on an iPhone, instead of a camera, there's a picture icon in roughly the same place (it looks a bit like a photo).  If you click on that you can upload from your camera roll.

If you would prefer to post a link, the icon next to the smiley face works.

I hope that helps a bit.  I think if you can post a photo, somebody will be able to jump in and advise you.

Good luck!

[Gabbee]

Good one, Wibby. Let's try this:

 

[Wibby]

Well done!  It worked!  Now for some experts to jump in!

[LZeeW]

@Gabbee   Every, and I mean EVERY, test has both false positive and false negative results.

When you tap on the Discovery icon > Heart Rhythm Assessment path, there is an image of an ECG in the area that says possible results.  There is a drawing of an almost too perfect ECG.  Yours has a lot of noise artifact.  It is a false positive and it happens from time to time.  Make sure your arm is still and relaxed.  No need to squeeze with your fingers.  That makes noise, too.

[Gabbee]

Thanks Laurie. I think your advice on careful finger placement without too much pressure is important too. Also whether you fingers touch your wrist or your wrist is touching your bare leg may be relevant.