Welch Allyn 420 Series - Measuring Blood Pressure; Blood Pressure Cuff Selection Criteria

28 Welch Allyn
Measuring Blood Pressure
Setting the Default Inflation Pressure Preset Level
The default cuff inflation level for blood pressure measurements is set in the Spot Vital Signs
internal configuration menu. The factory default level is 160 mmHg. If desired, change the default
pressure preset by following these instructions:
1. Turn the Spot Vital Signs off.
2. Press both the Power button and the Blood Pressure Start/Stop button simultaneously. The
device enters its internal configuration mode.
3. Press the Mode button to cycle through the menu until you see “PRP” appear in the systolic
display, and the pressure default level appears in the diastolic display.
4. Press the Next Patient/Clear or Blood Pressure Start/Cancel button to cycle through the 7
options available: 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 240, and 280 mmHg.
5. When the desired Pressure Preset level is illuminated, press the Mode button once to save
this change.
6. Turn the device off.
When the device is turned on, the new Pressure Preset is established as the default level. The
device always reverts to this Pressure Preset level.
Caution:
When measuring blood pressure on children younger than age 3, it is recommended that
the Pressure Preset (initial inflation pressure) be set at 160 mmHg or lower.
Blood Pressure Cuff Selection Criteria
Note: An adult durable blood pressure cuff is included with your Spot Vital Signs. A full range of cuff
sizes are available as accessory items, however, the Adult Durable cuff fits the majority of adults
and give the most accurate blood pressure measurement.
Research has shown that an undersized cuff overestimates the true blood pressure by as much
as 10 to 30 mmHg. Please refer to the reference markings on the cuff for correct cuff sizing.
When there is an area of overlap whereby you could use a smaller or larger cuff, it is strongly rec-
ommended that you use the larger size cuff.
You may find that the bottom of the cuff extends to the antecubital fossa (bend in the elbow) on
many people, but because the device uses oscillometric technology, not auscultation, this does
NOT result in an inaccurate blood pressure.
Careful sizing of the cuff is important to the accuracy of blood pressure readings. If the cuff is
too small, you may have falsely high readings. If the cuff is too large, you may have falsely low
readings.
To accurately determine the correct cuff size, refer to “Chart for Determining Cuff Size” on
page 29.