One of the essential pieces of equipment for any stress test is, of course, the treadmill. To choose the correct treadmill is just as important as the actual stress test system.
A GE treadmill is always a good choice. With a quality reputation in stress testing equipment and full systems, GE is a reputable company producing various types of medical testing and diagnostic equipment including cardiac ultrasounds among other devices.
The T-2100 Treadmill
A T-2100 GE treadmill is a great basic treadmill that offers all of the features and functionality that is required for stress testing. This treadmill is designed for use with patients up to 450 pounds, so it is a very practical option for all types of clinics and testing facilities.
The system is designed with a zero start feature. This means that the patient will start with the treadmill belt immobile. The system will gradually pick up speed to a maximum rate of 13.5 miles per hour. The operator has full control over the speed of the treadmill allowing for a complete range of testing options.
The system comes with an emergency stop button in the event that the treadmill needs to be stopped immediately. The system will naturally slow down through the control system, making it very easy for patient use.
The T-2000 Treadmill
Like the Marquette T2100, the T2000 GE treadmill is safe for use with patients up to 450 pounds and offers the same zero start to 13.5 miles per hour speed range. It has a full sixty-inch walking surface, so it is very comfortable for patients to use. It also has the same front and size rails for patient support.
Fully enclosed, there are limited moving parts on the treadmill for very low maintenance operation and limited need for repairs. The handrails with both options are fully AHA compliant.
As with all GE medical equipment, it is designed to only require minimal regularly scheduled calibration. Some systems will require frequent calibration to retain accuracy with the tests. With only limited calibration required the testing is more accurate and there are fewer times when the system is not available for patient testing.
Both of the GE models of treadmills are designed to be extremely quiet. This is important in testing rooms where equipment noise can become an issue, particularly in smaller, more confined testing rooms.