Clinical Investigation

How Accurate Are Our Sphygmomanometers : A Continuous Assessment Program

  • Rauf Onur EK
  • Güzel DISCIGIL
  • Okay BASAK
  • Hülya KAPLAN
  • Serpil ÇEÇEN
  • Ayfer (Oklay) BOZKAYA

Meandros Med Dent J 2006;7(3):19-23

Aim: The sphygmomanometer is an essential piece of diagnostic equipment and cornerstone of blood pressure management. Its accuracy depends on correct maintenance and calibration. This study was designed to control sphygmomanometers in use in Adnan Menderes University Medical Faculty. Researchers also aimed to establish a regular maintenance program for sphygmomanometers. Method: We compared the accuracy of 64 sphygmomanometers for physical defects and checked their accuracy againist a standard mecury manometer at four different pressure points.All devices were in current clinical use. Results: 30 of the 64 sphygmomanometers were determined to be intolerant (deviation from the mercury manometer by greater than ± 3mmHg at two or more of the test points). The most common physical defects were indicator needles not pointing to the “zero box”, defective bladder and defective pressure control valve. Conclusions: There was no regular preventive maintenance program in Adnan Menderes University Medical Faculty to minimize the risk of erroneous blood pressure recording, aneroid devices should be regulary checked for accuracy. Also, we present an evaluation form for calibration of sphygmomanometers in every 6 months.

Keywords: sphygmomanometers, blood pressure measurement, calibration, Turkey