What must be matched to accurately represent the amplitude of an EP waveform?

To accurately represent the amplitude of an EP (evoked potential) waveform, it is essential to ensure that the signal size is appropriately matched to the vertical capacity of the digitizer. The digitizer is a critical component in the process of converting analog signals into digital data for analysis. Its vertical capacity determines how accurately it can capture and represent the amplitude variations of the incoming signal. If the signal size exceeds the vertical capacity of the digitizer, it can result in clipping or distortion, leading to an inaccurate representation of the waveform's amplitude.

This relationship is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the data being collected during neurophysiologic monitoring. For instance, if the digitizer can only capture a limited range of amplitudes and the actual waveform varies beyond this range, the resulting digitized waveform may not reflect the true physiological responses being studied. Ensuring compatibility between the signal size and the digitizer's vertical capacity allows for the effective visualization and analysis of evoked potentials during surgical procedures.