Welch Allyn 420 Series - Temperature Warnings; Blood Pressure Cautions

Spot Vital Signs 5
• Use only SpO
2
sensors and accessories that are compatible with the SpO
2
configuration
purchased. The Welch Allyn Spot Vital Signs with Nellcor Puritan Bennett
™
pulse oximetry option
may only be used with Nellcor Puritan Bennett
™
brand sensors and accessories.
• The SpO
2
sensor and extension cables are intended for use only for pulse oximetry
measurements. Do not attempt to connect these cables to a PC or any similar device.
Temperature Warnings
• Single-use, disposable probe covers, available from Welch Allyn, limit patient cross-
contamination. The use of any other probe cover or the failure to use a probe cover may produce
temperature errors and is specifically not recommended.
• Use only oral probes (blue) for taking oral and axillary temperatures. Only use rectal probes (red)
for taking rectal temperatures only. The use of the wrong probe may produce temperature
errors.
• Do not allow the tip of the temperature probe to come into contact with any heat source (e.g.,
hands or fingers) prior to taking a temperature measurement. If this occurs, discard the probe
cover and start the temperature determination again.
IrDA Communications Port Warnings
• The Welch Allyn Spot Vital Signs contains an infrared communications port for isolated
communications with the external printer (see order catalog) or with a PC. The port is located on
the side of the device to preclude direct eye contact on a continual basis when viewing the
display. As a precaution, do not look directly into the infrared port during operation.
General Cautions
• If the accuracy of any measurement is in question, check the patient's vital sign(s) by an alternate
method, then check to make sure the device is functioning properly.
• Insure the device is placed on a secure surface or use one of the optional mounting accessories.
• Do not place fluids on the device.
Blood Pressure Cautions
• Extremity and cuff motion should be minimized during blood pressure determinations.
• If the blood pressure cuff is not at heart level, the difference in reading due to the hydrostatic
effect should be noted. The value of 1.80 mmHg must be added to the displayed reading for
every inch (2.5 cm) above heart level. The value of 1.80 mmHg must be subtracted from the
displayed reading for every inch (2.5 cm) below heart level.
• Proper blood pressure cuff size and placement is essential to the accuracy of the blood pressure
determination. See “Chart for Determining Cuff Size” on page 29 for cuff sizing information.
• When measuring blood pressure on children younger than 3 years of age it is recommended that
the Pressure Preset (initial inflation pressure) be set at 160 mmHg or lower.