Skin contact electrode

A semidisposable skin contact electrode, for example an ecg electrode, is made up of a reusable header (e.g. Fig. 5) and a disposable electrolyte interface member (e.g. Fig. 4). The individual reusable header consists of an electrolyte contacting means 12 such as a silver/silver chloride reference electrode, a flexible non electrical mounting 11, and an electrical connecting means such as a stud 13 (or wire 15) which is electrically connected to the electrolyte contacting means. The disposable interface member consists of a quantity of non liquid electrolyte 4 mounted over a proportion of the area of a flexible and open celled foam or mesh material 10, such that when the disposable interface member is placed in physical contact with the header the electrolyte contacting means makes electrical contact with the electrolyte of the disposable interface member. The disposable interface member is placed in contact with the skin of a person so that the electrolyte is also in contact and electrical signals arising from the body are transmitted through the electrolyte to the header and its electrical connection. The electrolyte may be adhesive so as to maintain the physical and electrical contact between the electrolyte and the skin and between the electrolyte and the header. That part of the mesh or open celled foam of the disposable interface member which is free of electrolyte is of assistance in handling the disposable interface member during placement and removal.