How to Manually Adjust Speed Grade on the Q-Stress Welch Allyn

What is Welch Allyn Q-Stress system

An essential tool for cardiac stress testing, the Welch Allyn Q-Stress system is used to help measure heart function as one exercises..

With this system, a patient’s heart performance can be both monitored and assessed under controlled conditions, while cardiovascular health is assessed by monitoring heart rate, rhythm, and other vital signs when the workload is increased.

diagram of Welch Allyn Q Stress System Process

For accurate test data, it’s very important to know how to run this system properly.

This guide is dedicated to showing you how to manually change speed grade on the Q-Stress Welch Allyn for proper and safe tests. How to Manually Adjust Speed Grade on the Q-Stress Welch Allyn ensuring effective and safe testing.

Understanding Speed Grade

Speed grade refers to the rate at which the treadmill operates during a stress test.

Proper adjustments are crucial for patient safety and obtaining accurate test results. Each patient may require different speed settings based on their physical condition and the specific protocol being followed.

diagram of Treadmill Speed Grade Adjustment

Steps to Adjust Speed Grade

1. Access the Control Panel

  • First turn on the Q-Stress system.
  • A touchscreen interface, referred to often as the control panel, allows you to navigate options.
diagram of Adjusting Speed Grades on Q Stress System

2. Select the Test Protocol

  • Choose the correct stress test protocol for your patient.
  • The system includes (you can also create your custom) predefined protocols.
diagram of Selecting a Stress Test Protocol

3. Adjusting Speed Settings

  • Open control panel and see speed.
  • On the next page, enter the speed grade you want to design for (based on the selected protocol). Yet, this adaptation should be done if the physical condition of the patient permits.
Designing-Speed-Grades-in-Control-Panel

4. Monitor Patient Response

  • Each time you change their speed make sure to check the patient’s heart rate and vital signs.
  • It means that you can act quickly if amendments are called for during the test.
diagram of Monitoring During Speed Adjustment

5. Finalize Settings

  • Select the speed you would like and once ready, validate your selections and start the test.
  • All your changes should be documented for record keeping.
diagram of Testing Procedure Sequence

Additional Insights

What is the Weight Limit for the Q-Stress Treadmill?

In order to keep the tests safe, the Q-Stress treadmill has a weight limit.

But you should make a point to check the user manual to make sure it can handle the weight you are interested in.

diagram of What is the Weight Limit for the Q Stress Treadmill

How to Perform a Stress ECG

A stress ECG is performed by monitoring heart activity while the workload on the treadmill increases gradually.

Be sure to follow standardized protocols if you want good results.

diagram of Performing a Stress ECG

How to Contact Hillrom

For assistance on Welch Allyn products and the Q-Stress system, see the Hillrom contact page.

Conclusion

Changing the speed grade on the Q-Stress Welch Allyn system is very important for effective cardiac stress testing and is a simple procedure.

If you follow what I outlined above, you will greatly improve your test quality and patient safety.

For a more detailed information, consult the user’s manual of your model or the Welch Allyn official website.