Vernier BPS-BTA Manual

Blood Pressure

Sensor
(Order Code: BPS-BTA)
The Vernier Blood Pressure Sensor is used to
measure systemic arterial blood pressure in
humans (non-invasively). When used with
the appropriate software, it can measure mean arterial blood pressure and calculate
both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure using the oscillometric method.
Note: Vernier products are designed for educational use. Our products are not
designed nor are they recommended for any industrial, medical, or commercial
process such as life support, patient diagnosis, control of a manufacturing
process, or industrial testing of any kind.

What's Included

Blood Pressure Sensor

Standard adult size adjustable cuff (27 cm to 39 cm)

Bulb pump (with release valve)


Compatible Software and Interfaces

See
www.vernier.com/manuals/bps-bta
compatible with the Blood Pressure Sensor.

Getting Started

1. Connect the sensor to the interface (LabQuest Mini, LabQuest 2, etc.).
2. Start the appropriate data-collection software (Logger Pro, Logger Lite,
LabQuest App) if not already running, and choose New from File menu.
The software will identify the sensor and load a default data-collection setup. You
are now ready to collect data.
If you are collecting data using a Chromebook™, mobile device such as iPad
Android™ tablet, or a Vernier wireless sensor or interface, please see the following
link for up-to-date connection information:
www.vernier.com/start/bps-bta

Using the Product

Connect the sensor following the steps in the Getting Started section of this user
manual.
When performing blood pressure measurements, it is best to work with a partner.
Follow these general procedures when using the Blood Pressure Sensor:
1. Connect the Blood Pressure Sensor to the interface. Attach the rubber hose
from the cuff to the connector on the sensor.
2. Wrap the cuff firmly around your partner's arm, approximately 2 cm above the
elbow. The two rubber hoses from the cuff should be positioned over the bicep
for a list of interfaces and software
muscle (brachial artery) and not under the arm. Important: The person having
his or her blood pressure measured must remain still during data collection—no
movement of the arm or hand during measurements.
3. Begin data collection.
4. Quickly and repeatedly squeeze the bulb to inflate the cuff on your partner's
arm. Continue inflating the cuff to a pressure between 150 and 170 mm Hg. A
meter in the data-collection software will display the live pressure readings
from the sensor. When the maximum pressure is reached, set the bulb pump
down onto the table. The built-in pressure release valve will slowly deflate the
cuff.
5. After the pressure drops to 50 mm Hg, you may press down on the pressure
release valve to release any air left in the cuff. If the pressure does not reach
50 mm Hg by the time data collection ends, adjust the exhaust rate of the
pressure release valve according to the directions listed under "Adjusting the
Pressure Release Valve."
Videos
View videos related to this product at

Specifications

Response time
Pressure range
® or
Maximum pressure without permanent damage
Typical accuracy
Combined linearity and hysteresis
Temperature compensated
Default calibration values

How the Sensor Works

The sensor produces an output voltage that varies with the pressure measured in
the cuff. It includes special circuitry to minimize errors caused by changes in
temperature. We also provide a filtering circuit that conditions the signal from the
pressure transducer. The output voltage from the Blood Pressure Sensor is linear
www.vernier.com/bps-bta
1 ms
0 mm Hg to 258 mm Hg
1550 mm Hg
± 1 mm Hg
typical ±0.25%
–20°C to 85°C
slope: 64.64 (mm Hg/V)
intercept: –32.32 (mm Hg)
2