Kendall Medi-Trace 450 Foam ECG Monitoring Electrodes

Kendall™ Medi-Trace™ 450 Foam ECG/EKG Monitoring Electrodes

The Kendall Medi-Trace 450 Series is a general-purpose adult ECG/EKG monitoring electrode that provides reliable adhesion, flexible patient contact, and clear cardiac-monitoring tracings in hospital and clinical workflows.

Each disposable electrode has a thin, flexible foam backing and a proprietary conductive adhesive hydrogel. The foam backing resists fluids and fits ordinary body contours, while the integrated hydrogel helps keep the electrode on the patient and maintain the electrode-to-skin interface needed for ECG monitoring.

A standard snap connector provides a secure connection to compatible ECG lead wires. A courtesy lift tab along one edge makes the pad easier to handle, apply, anchor, and remove without pulling directly on the monitoring snap. Cardinal Health identifies the 450 Series as a multipurpose adult electrode for general hospital monitoring, including medical-surgical floors, orthopedic units, observation areas, step-down units, and oncology settings. 

Product highlights

• Adult disposable ECG/EKG monitoring electrode

• General-purpose hospital and clinical use

• Thin, flexible foam substrate

• Fluid-resistant backing

• Proprietary conductive adhesive hydrogel

• Large hydrogel contact surface

• Standard snap-style monitor connection

• Courtesy lift tab for handling and removal

• Rectangular profile

• Non-radiolucent construction

• Not made with natural rubber latex

• Not made with DEHP or mercury

• Available in 3-, 5-, or 50-electrode pouch formats

• Bulk case configurations for healthcare facilities

Quick product specifications

The rectangular dimensions are 1.438 × 1.656 inches and specifically describe the 450 Series as non-radiolucent. 

Package and case options

The product formulation is the same across the three order codes; the principal difference is the number of electrodes sealed in each pouch. The smaller pouch counts may simplify 3- or 5-electrode workflow preparation, while the 50-count pouch supports centralized bulk use. 

Recommended Shopify variant names

Replace the current abbreviated labels with:

• 22450 — 50/pouch, 20 pouches/case, 1,000 electrodes

• 22453- — 3/pouch, 200 pouches/case, 600 electrodes

• 22455- — 5/pouch, 120 pouches/case, 600 electrodes

This feature makes the purchasing quantity visible before a customer selects a variation and reduces the risk of confusing pouch quantity with total case quantity.

Why choose Medi-Trace 450 monitoring electrodes?

Thin, conformable foam

The low-profile foam substrate is flexible enough to follow patient contours while providing a stable base for the hydrogel and snap connection. Cardinal Health describes the foam as fluid-resistant and designed to maintain adhesion during general monitoring use. 

Conductive adhesive hydrogel

The hydrogel serves two functions:

1. It adheres the electrode to the patient.

2. It creates the conductive interface needed to transfer cardiac electrical signals to the monitoring system.

Because the gel is incorporated into the electrode, no separate ECG gel is normally required. Cardinal Health states that the proprietary hydrogel supports adhesion and clear, reliable tracings while minimizing messy residue after removal. 

Large contact surface

The broad gel surface provides substantial electrode-to-skin contact relative to the pad’s compact overall dimensions. This helps the electrode remain secure during routine monitoring while still fitting common adult placement sites. 

Courtesy lift tab

The lift tab provides clinicians with a place to hold when

• Removing the electrode from its liner

• Positioning it on the patient

• Pressing or anchoring an edge

• Removing it after monitoring

Handling the lift tab instead of the hydrogel helps protect the conductive surface from oils, gloves, and other contamination. 

Multiple pouch configurations

The same 450 Series electrode can be ordered in cases built around 3-, 5-, or 50-electrode pouches. This allows a facility to choose between procedural convenience and bulk departmental stocking without changing electrode construction. 

Where are Kendall Medi-Trace 450 electrodes commonly used?

The 450 Series is for housewide, general-purpose adult monitoring. 

The 450 Series should be selected according to the monitoring system’s instructions, facility protocol, expected wear conditions, patient skin, imaging requirements, and lead-wire compatibility.

Browse our complete monitoring EKG/ECG electrode collection.

ECG monitoring electrodes vs. diagnostic and stimulation electrodes

Not every adhesive electrode performs the same function.

Do not use Medi-Trace 450 electrodes as TENS, NMES, EMS, FES, iontophoresis, defibrillation, or electrosurgical return electrodes. They are designed to receive and transmit cardiac signals to compatible monitoring equipment—not to deliver therapeutic stimulation.

Medi-Trace 450 product comparison

Kendall 450 vs. Kendall 530 vs. 5500 diagnostic tabs

The 450/850 family as general monitoring electrodes and the 530/930 family as multipurpose products for applications such as adult stress testing, Holter monitoring, and diaphoretic patients. Balego’s 5500 listing is a radiolucent diagnostic tab electrode rather than a foam snap monitoring electrode. 

Choose the Medi-Trace 450 when:

• The facility needs a standard adult snap monitoring electrode.

• General hospital-wide monitoring is the primary application.

• Fluid-resistant conformable foam is preferred.

• Non-radiolucent construction is acceptable.

• A choice of 3-, 5-, or 50-electrode pouch formats is useful.

• Standardization across several clinical units is a priority.

Choose the Medi-Trace 530 when:

• The patient is likely to perspire heavily.

• Electrode security during movement is a greater concern.

• The workflow includes stress testing or Holter monitoring.

• A larger teardrop-style foam surface is preferred.

Choose the 5500 Diagnostic Tab when:

• The procedure is a resting diagnostic ECG rather than continuous monitoring.

• Compatible tab or grabber leads are used.

• A high-volume 2,000-electrode format is appropriate.

• A radiolucent diagnostic electrode is preferred.

For a smaller resting diagnostic supply, consider the Kendall 5400 Resting Tab Electrodes, pack of 300.

Medi-Trace 450 vs. 850 radiolucent electrodes

The 850 Series is the radiolucent counterpart to the 450 Series. When a patient is likely to undergo imaging, the clinical team should select electrodes according to the imaging protocol rather than assuming the 450 can remain in place. 

How to apply Medi-Trace 450 electrodes

Follow the ECG monitor instructions and the healthcare facility’s skin-preparation and placement protocol.

1. Confirm the correct electrode

Verify:

• Adult patient suitability

• Snap-lead compatibility

• Required number of electrodes

• Monitoring rather than diagnostic or stimulation use

• Whether radiolucent electrodes are needed

• Package expiration and pouch condition

2. Prepare the skin

Apply only to an appropriate skin site selected under the monitoring protocol. The area should generally be:

• Clean

• Dry

• Free of lotion and oil

• Free of excessive perspiration

• Intact

• Prepared according to facility procedure

Excess hair may need to be clipped under facility policy so that the complete hydrogel surface contacts the skin.

3. Connect the monitoring lead

Depending on institutional workflow, the lead may be snapped to the electrode before or after placement. Ensure that the snap is fully engaged without twisting or damaging the pad.

4. Remove the electrode from the liner

Use the courtesy lift tab or foam edge. Avoid touching the central conductive hydrogel unnecessarily.

5. Apply the electrode

Position the pad according to the prescribed lead configuration. Press from the center outward so the hydrogel and foam lie flat without

• Folded edges

• Air pockets

• Excessive tension

• Gel contamination

• Partial skin contact

6. Verify the tracing

Confirm that the monitor receives an appropriate signal. When artifact or lead-off warnings occur, inspect the following:

• Electrode placement

• Skin preparation

• Snap connection

• Lead-wire condition

• Pad adhesion

• Patient movement

• Electrode age or contamination

7. Remove using the lift tab

Disconnect the lead as directed and gently lift the electrode from the designated tab or foam edge. Do not pull the patient lead to remove the pad.

Pouch storage and open-pouch performance

The 450 Series hydrogel can provide quality tracings for up to 45 days after pouch opening. Actual suitability still depends on the pouch being handled and stored according to its labeling and on each electrode remaining clean, moist, and undamaged. 

After opening:

• Keep unused electrodes in the original pouch.

• Close or reseal the pouch as directed.

• Protect the hydrogel from air exposure.

• Keep electrodes away from excessive heat and direct sunlight.

• Do not use a dry, contaminated, damaged, or expired electrode.

• Follow the expiration date and open-pouch policy printed on the current package.

• Do not return a used electrode to the pouch.

Troubleshooting ECG monitoring problems

Frequently asked questions

What are Kendall Medi-Trace 450 electrodes?

They are disposable adult ECG/EKG monitoring electrodes with foam backing, conductive adhesive hydrogel, and snap connectors. Cardinal Health positions them for general-purpose hospital monitoring. 

Who currently supplies the Medi-Trace portfolio?

Cardinal Health currently includes Medi-Trace products in its ECG electrode portfolio. Cardinal Health acquired Medtronic’s patient-recovery product portfolio and has transitioned products in this group to Cardinal Health branding and packaging. Customers may therefore encounter older Kendall, Covidien, Medtronic, or newer Cardinal Health packaging depending on inventory age. 

What size is the Medi-Trace 450?

A rectangular size of 1.438 × 1.656 inches, approximately 36.5 × 42.1 mm. 

What connector does it use?

The electrode has a snap connector for compatible ECG monitoring lead wires. It does not use the 2 mm pin connector commonly found on portable TENS and NMES pads. 

Is the 450 Series radiolucent?

No. The Medi-Trace 450 Series is non-radiolucent. Cardinal Health identifies the 850 Series as its radiolucent counterpart. 

Are these resting diagnostic ECG electrodes?

They are intended primarily for ECG monitoring. For a brief resting diagnostic ECG using tab or grabber leads, compare Balego’s 5500 Diagnostic Tab Electrodes or 5400 Resting Tab Electrodes.

Are they intended for stress testing or Holter monitoring?

The 450 Series is Cardinal Health’s general-purpose monitoring option. For stress, Holter, active, or diaphoretic applications, the larger Medi-Trace 530 foam electrode is the more specific product. 

Can these electrodes be reused?

No. They are disposable ECG monitoring electrodes and should not be reapplied after removal or transferred between patients. 

Do they require separate electrode gel?

No. The conductive adhesive hydrogel is already incorporated into the electrode. Adding gel could interfere with the adhesive and is not part of the product’s standard application. 

Are they made with natural rubber latex?

Cardinal Health’s current ECG catalog states that its monitoring electrodes are not made with natural rubber latex. It also states that they are not made with DEHP or mercury. 

Are they hypoallergenic?

Cardinal Health’s current 450 Series page does not label the product hypoallergenic. Use the documented “not made with natural rubber latex” wording rather than making a broader hypoallergenic claim.

How long do they remain usable after opening the pouch?

Cardinal Health states that the 450 Series can provide quality tracings for up to 45 days after pouch opening. Follow the current package’s storage, expiration, and open-pouch instructions, and discard any electrode that is dry, dirty, damaged, or no longer adheres properly. 

Can they be used for TENS or NMES?

No. ECG monitoring electrodes receive the heart’s electrical signal. TENS and NMES electrodes deliver stimulation current from a therapy device.

For stimulation pads, shop Balego’s Electrotherapy Electrodes collection.

Can they be used for defibrillation?

No. They are monitoring electrodes, not multifunction defibrillation or pacing pads.

Why are there three order codes?

The electrode construction is the same, but the pouch and case configurations differ:

• 22450: 50 per pouch, 1,000 per case

• 22453-: 3 per pouch, 600 per case

• 22455-: 5 per pouch, 600 per case

Additional Recommended Resources

• Monitoring EKG/ECG Electrodes

• Medi-Trace 530 Foam ECG Electrodes

• 5500 Diagnostic Tab Resting EKG Electrodes

• 5400 Resting Tab Electrodes, Pack of 300

• EEG and ECG Diagnostic Supply Guides

• Ten20 vs. NuPrep: When to Use Each Product

• Balego Contact Page

• Best Price Guarantee

NuPrep and other skin-preparation products should be used only when permitted by the ECG electrode, monitor, and facility protocol. Our diagnostic guide explains the distinction between skin preparation and conductive pastes used in EEG and ECG workflows.