3.2B Common Sources of Error
All efforts by the patient to support the arm can increase the blood pressure. Make sure you are in a
comfortable, relaxed position and do not activate any of the muscles in the measurement arm during the
measurement. Use a cushion for support if necessary.
ATTENTION!
Comparable blood pressure measurements always require the same conditions with a peaceful and
calm environment. Ensure that you take measurements under the same conditions to obtain an accurate
estimate of blood pressure variation patterns.
• If the arm artery lies considerably lower or higher than the heart, an erroneous value of blood pressure
is measured. Each 15 cm difference in height results in a measurement error of 10 mmHg.
• A loose cuff causes false measurement values.
• With repeated measurements, blood accumulates in the arm, which can lead to false results.
Consecutive blood pressure measurements should be repeated after at least a 15 second pause or
after the arm has been held up in order to allow the accumulated blood to flow away.
3.2C Fitting the Wide Range Cuff
a) Put the end of the cuff (with fastener) through the metal
ring, making the cuff a cylinder. (Ignore this step if your
cuff is already set up.) Proper assembly allows the Velcro
®
to match up properly. Measure on your non-dominant arm,
unless there is a >10 mmHg difference with the other arm,
in which case use the arm with the higher pressure.
b) Place the cuff around bare your arm. Make sure the bottom
edge of the cuff is about 1” (2-3 cm) above the elbow joint.
Adjust the cuff so that the rubber tubing under the cuff lies
over the brachial artery, which runs on the inside of the arm
(see Fig. B). The red material should be over the brachial
artery.
c) Pull the cuff and tighten it by attaching the Velcro
®
fastener.
d) The cuff should fit snugly around the arm, but not too tight.
You should be able to fit two fingers under the cuff. If the
cuff is the wrong size, the deivce will not measure your
blood pressure accurately. Contact the store, or BIOS
Medical for other sized cuffs.
a)
d)
b)
c)
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