Abstract: A method and apparatus for detection of the status of a cable termination. The cable is required to be terminated by being in contact with the body of a patient in a medical environment. The apparatus warns a user if the cable is disconnected from the patient. The status of the termination is established by applying a pulse of electrical energy to the cable and detecting the reflections produced in response to application of the pulse. A characteristic of the reflections is detected and compared with a predetermined characteristic to determine whether the cable is connected to the patient.