Research Output

The Glasgow Program

The Glasgow Program is an automated ECG interpretation system based on careful scientific research, with unique approaches to ECG analysis developed over 50 years of continuous development.

Key Features

Distinctive capabilities developed through decades of research and clinical validation.

Age and Sex Based Criteria

Extensive use of age and sex-specific reference ranges, valid from birth through adulthood including neonatal ECGs.

Racial Variation

Race-based diagnostic criteria accounting for documented differences in ECG amplitudes across populations.

Clinical Context

Optional integration of clinical diagnosis and drug therapy information to improve interpretation accuracy.

Serial Comparison

Compare ECGs over time to detect evolving changes, critical for monitoring and research studies.

Multilingual Output

Diagnostic statements available in 15+ languages including European languages, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, and US/UK English variants.

Regulatory Compliance

IEC 60601-2-51 (ECG analysis requirements)
IEC 60601-2-25 (Electrocardiograph requirements)
ISO 9001:2015 (Quality management)

Diagnostic Capabilities

Comprehensive automated analysis spanning rhythm, conduction, ischaemia, and structural abnormalities.

Rhythm & Arrhythmia Analysis

Atrial Fibrillation

Detection in both full and limited lead configurations

Atrial Flutter

Typical and atypical flutter pattern recognition

Ventricular Tachycardia

Sustained and non-sustained VT detection

Bradyarrhythmias

Sinus bradycardia, AV block classification

Premature Complexes

PAC, PVC identification and burden analysis

Pacemaker Rhythms

Implanted pacemaker signal analysis

Conduction & Interval Measurement

Bundle Branch Blocks

RBBB, LBBB, and fascicular block detection

QT/QTc Analysis

Standardised interval measurement with multiple correction formulae

PR Interval

AV conduction assessment, block classification

QRS Duration

Intraventricular conduction delay measurement

Ischaemia & Infarction

STEMI Detection

ST-elevation MI screening with age/sex-specific criteria (contributed to ESC/ACC/AHA guideline development)

NSTEMI Indicators

ST depression and T-wave abnormality detection

Infarct Localisation

Anterior, inferior, lateral, posterior territory identification

Prior MI Recognition

Pathological Q-wave and scar pattern identification

Serial Comparison

Detection of evolving ischaemic changes over time

Structural & Hypertrophy

Ventricular Hypertrophy

LVH and RVH criteria with age/sex/race adjustment. Glasgow-modified Romhilt-Estes scoring.

Atrial Enlargement

LAE and RAE pattern recognition

Early Repolarisation

J-wave patterns per current nomenclature

Long QT Syndrome

QTc prolongation screening

Validation & Research

The Glasgow Program is based on careful scientific research with numerous peer-reviewed publications.

Key Publications

Methodology of ECG interpretation in the Glasgow program

Macfarlane PW, Devine B, Latif S, McLaughlin S, Shoat DB, Watts MP

Methods Inf Med, 1990

Evolution of the Glasgow program for computer-assisted reporting of electrocardiograms—1964/1998

Macfarlane PW

Acta Cardiol, 1998

Evaluation of the electrocardiographic criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy

Macfarlane PW et al.

J Electrocardiol, 2007

Demonstrated Glasgow-modified Romhilt-Estes score superiority

Localization of accessory pathways in the Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern

Macfarlane PW et al.

J Electrocardiol, 2007

Validation of WPW localisation algorithm

Precordial electrode placement in women

Macfarlane PW, Coleman EN et al.

J Electrocardiol, 2008

Guideline Contributions

Research from the Electrocardiology Section has influenced international guidelines for acute myocardial infarction diagnosis, including ESC, ACC, and AHA recommendations for ST-elevation criteria.

Paediatric Database

The program includes a paediatric ECG database of 1,750 healthy children, enabling accurate interpretation from birth through adulthood.

Population Studies

Extensive research into age, sex, and racial variation in ECG parameters, with criteria adjusted for different populations.

Multilingual Support

Diagnostic statements available in 17+ languages to support worldwide deployment.

English (UK)English (US)FrenchGermanItalianSpanishPortuguese (Iberian)Portuguese (Brazilian)DutchPolishSwedishNorwegianFinnishDanishChineseRussianJapanese

Licensing the Glasgow Program

The Glasgow Program is available for non-exclusive commercial licensing through the University of Glasgow. The software has been adopted by numerous medical device manufacturers internationally.