Microlife BP A6 PC - Blood Pressure Monitor Manual

Overview

1. START/STOP Button
2. Display
3. Cuff Socket
4. Mains Adapter Socket
5. Battery Compartment
6. Cuff
7. Cuff Connector
8. AFIB/MAM Switch
9. User Switch
10. Time Button
11. M-button (memory)
12. «Backward» Button
13. + «Forward» Button
14. Lock Switch
15. USB Port

Display

16. Date/Time
17. Systolic Value
18. Diastolic Value
19. Pulse Rate
20. Battery Display
21. Traffic Light Indicator
22. Stored Value
23. Pulse Indicator
24. Cuff Check Indicator
25. Atrial Fibrillation Indicator (AFIB)
26. AFIB/MAM Mode
27. Arm Movement Indicator
28. User Indicator
29. MAM Interval Time

Introduction

Read the instructions carefully before using this device.
Type BF applied part
Keep dry

Intended use:
This oscillometric blood pressure monitor is intended for measuring non-invasive blood pressure in people aged 12 years or older.
It is clinically validated in patients with hypertension, hypotension, diabetes, pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, atherosclerosis, end-stage renal disease, obesity and the elderly.
The device can detect an irregular pulse suggestive of Atrial Fibrillation (AF). Please note that the device is not intended to diagnose AF. A diagnosis of AF can only be confirmed by ECG. The patient is advised to see a physician.

This device was developed in collaboration with physicians and clinical tests carried out prove its measurement accuracy to be of a very high standard.*
Microlife AFIB detection is the world's leading digital blood pressure measurement technology for the detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) and arterial hypertension. These are the two top risk factors of getting a stroke or heart disease. It is important to detect AF and hypertension at an early stage, even though you may not experience any symptoms. AF screening in general and thus also with the Microlife AFIB algorithm, is recommended for people of 65 years and older. The AFIB algorithm indicates that atrial fibrillation may be present. For this reason, it is recommended that you visit your doctor when the device gives an AFIB signal during your blood pressure measurement. The AFIB algorithm of Microlife has been clinically investigated by several prominent clinical investigators and showed that the device detects patients with AFIB at a certainty of 97-100%. 1,2
If you have any questions, problems or want to order spare parts please contact your local Microlife-Customer Service. Your dealer or pharmacy will be able to give you the address of the Microlife dealer in your country. Alternatively, visit the internet at www.microlife.com where you will find a wealth of invaluable information on our products. Stay healthy – Microlife AG!

* This device uses the same measuring technology as the award winning «BP 3BTO-A» model tested according to the British and Irish Hypertension Society (BIHS) protocol.

¹ Kearley K, Selwood M, Van den Bruel A, Thompson M, Mant D, Hobbs FR et al.: Triage tests for identifying atrial fibrillation in primary care: a diagnostic accuracy study comparing single-lead ECG and modified BP monitors. BMJ Open 2014; 4:e004565.

² Wiesel J, Arbesfeld B, Schechter D: Comparison of the Microlife blood pressure monitor with the Omron blood pressure monitor for detecting atrial fibrillation. Am J Cardiol 2014; 114:1046-1048.

Important Facts about Blood Pressure and Self-Measurement

• Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood flowing in the arteries generated by the pumping of the heart. Two values, the systolic (upper) value and the diastolic (lower) value, are always measured.
• The device indicates the pulse rate (the number of times the heart beats in a minute).
• Permanently high blood pressure values can damage your health and must be treated by your doctor!
• Always discuss your values with your doctor and tell him/her if you have noticed anything unusual or feel unsure. Never rely on single blood pressure readings.
• There are several causes of excessively high blood pressure values. Your doctor will explain them in more detail and offer treatment where appropriate. Besides medication, weight loss and exercise can also lower your blood pressure.
• Under no circumstances should you alter the dosages of drugs or initiate a treatment without consulting your doctor.
• Depending on physical exertion and condition, blood pressure is subject to wide fluctuations as the day progresses. You should therefore take your measurements in the same quiet conditions and when you feel relaxed! Take at least two readings every time (in the morning and in the evening) and average the measurements.
• It is quite normal for two measurements taken in quick succession to produce significantly different results. Therefore we recommend using the MAM technology.
• Deviations between measurements taken by your doctor or in the pharmacy and those taken at home are quite normal, as these situations are completely different.
• Several measurements provide much more reliable information about your blood pressure than just one single measurement.
  Therefore we recommend using the MAM technology.
• Leave a small break of at least 15 seconds between two measurements.
• If you suffer from an irregular heartbeat, measurements taken with this device should be evaluated with your doctor.
• The pulse display is not suitable for checking the frequency of heart pacemakers!
• If you are pregnant, you should monitor your blood pressure regularly as it can change drastically during this time.
  • This monitor is specially tested for use in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. When you detect unusual high readings in pregnancy, you should measure after a short while again (eg. 1 hour). If the reading is still too high, consult your doctor or gynecologist.
    In pregnancy the AFIB symbol can be ignored.

How do I evaluate my blood pressure?
Table for classifying home blood pressure values in adults in accordance with the international Guidelines (ESH, ESC, JSH). Data in mmHg.

The higher value is the one that determines the evaluation.
Example: a blood pressure value of 140/80 mmHg or a value of 130/90 mmHg indicates «blood pressure too high».

Important Facts about Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

What is Atrial Fibrillation (AF)?
Normally, your heart contracts and relaxes to a regular beat.
Certain cells in your heart produce electrical signals that cause the heart to contract and pump blood. Atrial fibrillation occurs when rapid, disorganized electrical signals are present in the heart's two upper chambers, called the atria; causing them to contract irregularly (this is called fibrillation). Atrial fibrillation is the most common form of heart arrhythmia. It often causes no symptoms, yet it significantly increases your risk of stroke. You'll need a doctor to help you control the problem.

Who should be screened for Atrial Fibrillation?
AF screening is recommended for people over 65 years of age, since the chance of having a stroke increases with age. AF screening is also recommended for people from the age of 50 years who have high blood pressure (e.g. SYS higher than 159 or DIA higher than 99) as well as those with diabetes, coronary heart failure or for those who have previously had a stroke.
In young people or in pregnancy AF screening is not recommended as it could generate false results and unnecessary anxiety. In addition, young individuals with AF have a low risk of getting stroke as compared to elder people.
For more information visit our website: www.microlife.com/afib.

Microlife AFIB detection provides a convenient way to screen for AF (only in AFIB/MAM mode)
Knowing your blood pressure and knowing whether you or your family members have AF can help reduce the risk of stroke. Microlife AFIB detection provides a convenient way to screen for AF whilst taking your blood pressure.

Risk factors you can control
Early diagnosis of AF followed by adequate treatment can significantly reduce the risk of getting stroke. Knowing your blood pressure and knowing whether you have AF is the first step in proactive stroke prevention.

Using the Device for the First Time

Inserting the batteries
Switch the lock switch to «unlock» position. The battery compartment is on the bottom of the device. Insert the batteries (4 x 1.5 V, size AAA), thereby observing the indicated polarity.

Setting the date and time

1. After the new batteries are fitted, the year number flashes in the display. You can set the year by pressing either the «+» AM or the «-» button. To confirm and then set the month, press the time button .
2. Press the «+» or the «-» button to set the month. Press the time button to confirm and then set the day.
3. Follow the instructions above to set the day, hour and minutes.
4. Once you have set the minutes and pressed the time button, the date and time are set and the time is displayed.
5. If you want to change the date and time, press and hold the time button down for approx. 3 seconds until the year number starts to flash. Now you can enter the new values as described above.

Selecting the correct cuff

Microlife offers different cuff sizes. Select the cuff size to match the circumference of your upper arms (measured by close fitting in the centre of the upper arm).

Only use Microlife cuffs.

• Contact your local Microlife Service if the enclosed cuff does not fit.
• Connect the cuff to the device by inserting the cuff connector into the cuff socket as far as it will go.

Selecting the user

This device allows to store the results for 2 individual users.

• Before each measurement, set the user switch for the intended user: user 1 or user 2.
• User 1: slide the user switch upwards to the user 1 icon.
• User 2: slide the user switch downwards to the user 2 icon.

The first person to measure should select user 1.

Selecting standard or AFIB/MAM mode

This device enables you to select either standard (standard single measurement) or AFIB/MAM mode (automatic triple measurement). To select standard mode, slide the AFIB/MAM switch on the side of the device downwards to position «1» and to select AFIB/MAM mode, slide this switch upwards to position «3».

AFIB/MAM mode (highly recommended)

In AFIB/MAM mode, 3 measurements are automatically taken in succession and the result is then automatically analysed and displayed. Because blood pressure constantly fluctuates, a result determined in this way is more reliable than one produced by a single measurement. AF detection is only activated in AFIB/MAM mode.

• When you select the 3 measurements, the AFIB/MAM-symbol appears in the display.
• The bottom, right hand section of the display shows a 1, 2 or 3 to indicate which of the 3 measurements is currently being taken.
• There is a break of 15 seconds between the measurements. A count down indicates the remaining time.
• The individual results are not displayed. Your blood pressure will only be displayed after all 3 measurements are taken.
• Do not remove the cuff between measurements.
• If one of the individual measurements was questionable, a fourth one is automatically taken.

Taking a Blood Pressure Measurement

Checklist for taking a reliable measurement

1. Avoid activity, eating or smoking immediately before the measurement.
2. Sit down on a back-supported chair and relax for 5 minutes. Keep the feet flat on the floor and do not cross your legs.
3. Always measure on the same arm (normally left). It is recommended that doctors perform double arm measurements on a patients first visit in order to determine which arm to measure in the future. The arm with the higher blood pressure should be measured.
4. Remove close-fitting garments from the upper arm. To avoid constriction, shirt sleeves should not be rolled up - they do not interfere with the cuff if they are laid flat.
5. Always ensure that the correct cuff size is used (marking on the cuff).

• Fit the cuff closely, but not too tight.
• Make sure that the cuff is positioned 1-2 cm above the elbow.
• The artery mark on the cuff (ca. 3 cm long bar) must lie over the artery which runs down the inner side of the arm.
• Support your arm so it is relaxed.
• Ensure that the cuff is at the same height as your heart.

6. Slide the lock switch down to the «unlock» position. Press the START/STOP button to start measuring.
7. The cuff will now pump up automatically. Relax, do not move and do not tense your arm muscles until the measurement result is displayed. Breathe normally and do not talk.
8. When the correct pressure is reached, the pumping stops and the pressure falls gradually. If the required pressure was not reached, the device will automatically pump some more air into the cuff.
9. During the measurement, the pulse indicator BM flashes in the display.
10. The result, comprising the systolic and the diastolic blood pressure and the pulse rate is displayed. Note also the explanations on further display symbols in this booklet.
11. When the device has finished measuring, remove the cuff.
12. Switch off the device. (The monitor does switch off automatically after approx. 1 min.).

How not to store a reading

As soon as the reading is displayed press and hold the START/ STOP button until «M» is flashing. Confirm to delete the reading by pressing the M-button .
You can stop the measurement at any time by pressing the START/STOP button (e.g. if you feel uneasy or an unpleasant pressure sensation).
If the systolic blood pressure is known to be very high, it can be an advantage to set the pressure individually. Press the START/STOP button after the monitor has been pumped up to a level of approx. 30 mmHg (shown on the display). Keep the button pressed until the pressure is about 40 mmHg above the expected systolic value – then release the button.

Appearance of the Atrial Fibrillation Indicator for early Detection

(Active only in AFIB/MAM mode)

This device is able to detect atrial fibrillation (AF). This symbol BO indicates that atrial fibrillation was detected during the measurement. Please refer to the next paragraph for information regarding the consultation with your doctor.

Information for the doctor on frequent appearance of the atrial fibrillation indicator
This device is an oscillometric blood pressure monitor that also analyses pulse irregularity during measurement. The device is clinically tested.
The AFIB symbol is displayed after the measurement, if atrial fibrillation occurred during measuring. If the AFIB symbol appears after having performed a full blood pressure measurement episode (triplicate measurements), the patient is advised to perform another measurement episode (triplicate measurements).
If the AFIB symbol appears again, we recommend the patient to seek medical advice. If the AFIB-symbol appears on the screen of the blood pressure monitor, it indicates the possible presence of atrial fibrillation.
The atrial fibrillation diagnosis however, must be made by a cardiologist based on ECG interpretation.

In the presence of atrial fibrillation the diastolic blood pressure value may not be accurate.
Keep the arm still during measuring to avoid false readings.
This device may not or wrongly detect atrial fibrillation in people with pacemakers or defibrillators.

Traffic Light Indicator in the Display

The bars on the left-hand edge of the display show you the range within which the indicated blood pressure value lies.
Depending on the height of the bar, the readout value is either within the optimum (green), elevated (yellow), too high (orange) or dangerously high (red) range. The classification corresponds to the 4 ranges in the table as defined by the international guidelines (ESH, ESC, JSH), as described in «Important Facts about Blood Pressure and Self-Measurement» section.

PC-Link Functions

This device can be used in conjunction with a personal computer (PC) running the Microlife Blood Pressure Analyzer+ (BPA+) software. The memory data can be transferred to the PC by connecting the monitor via a cable.
If no download-voucher and cable is included download the BPA+ software from www.microlife.com/software and use a USB cable with a Mini-B 5 pin connector.
During the connection, the device is completely controlled by the computer.

Data Memory

This device automatically stores up to 99 measurement values for each of the 2 users.

Viewing the stored values

Select either user 1 or 2 with the user switch .
Switch the lock switch to «unlock» position. Press the M-button briefly. The display first shows «M» and «A», which stands for the average of all stored values.
Pressing the «+» or the «-» button repeatedly enables you to move from one stored value to another. Press the M-button again to exit the memory mode.

Memory full

Pay attention that the maximum memory capacity of 99 memories per user is not exceeded. When the 99 memory is full, the oldest value is automatically overwritten with the 100th value. Values should be evaluated by a doctor before the memory capacity is reached – otherwise data will be lost.

Clearing all values

Make sure the correct user is activated.

1. Firstly unlock the device , then select either 1 or 2 with the user switch .
2. Hold down the M-button until «CL» appears and then release the button.
3. Press the M-button while «CL» is flashing to permanently clear all values of the selected user.

Cancel deletion: press START/STOP button while «CL» is flashing.
Individual values cannot be cleared.

Battery Indicator and Battery change

Low battery

When the batteries are approximately ¾ empty the battery symbol will flash as soon as the device is switched on (partly filled battery displayed). Although the device will continue to measure reliably, you should obtain replacement batteries.

Flat battery – replacement

When the batteries are flat, the battery symbol will flash as soon as the device is switched on (flat battery displayed). You cannot take any further measurements and must replace the batteries.

1. Open the battery compartment on the bottom of the device.
2. Replace the batteries – ensure correct polarity as shown by the symbols in the compartment.
3. To set date and time, follow the procedure described in «Using the Dvice for the First Time» section.

The memory retains all values although date and time must be reset – the year number therefore flashes automatically after the batteries are replaced.

Which batteries and which procedure

Use 4 new, long-life 1.5 V, size AAA alkaline batteries.
Do not use batteries beyond their date of expiry.
Remove batteries if the device is not going to be used for a prolonged period.

Using rechargeable batteries

You can also operate this device using rechargeable batteries.
Only use «NiMH» type reusable batteries.
Batteries must be removed and recharged when the flat battery symbol appears. They should not remain inside the device as they may become damaged (total discharge as a result of low use of the device, even when switched off).
Always remove the rechargeable batteries if you do not intend to use the device for a week or more.
Batteries cannot be charged in the blood pressure monitor. Recharge batteries in an external charger and observe the information regarding charging, care and durability.

Using a Mains Adapter

You can operate this device using the Microlife mains adapter (DC 6V, 600 mA).
Only use the Microlife mains adapter available as an original accessory appropriate for your supply voltage.
Ensure that neither the mains adapter nor the cable are damaged.

1. Plug the adapter cable into the mains adapter socket in the blood pressure monitor.
2. Plug the adapter plug into the wall socket.

When the mains adapter is connected, no battery current is consumed.

Error Messages

If an error occurs during the measurement, the measurement is interrupted and an error message, e.g. «ERR 3», is displayed.

Error	Description	Potential cause and remedy
«ERR 1»	Signal too weak	The pulse signals on the cuff are too weak. Re-position the cuff and repeat the measurement.*
«ERR 2»	Error signal	During the measurement, error signals were detected by the cuff, caused for instance by movement or muscle tension. Repeat the measurement, keeping your arm still.
«ERR 3»	No pressure in the cuff	An adequate pressure cannot be generated in the cuff. A leak may have occurred. Check that the cuff is correctly connected and is not too loose. Replace the batteries if necessary. Repeat the measurement.
«ERR 5»	Abnormal result	The measuring signals are inaccurate and no result can therefore be displayed. Read through the checklist for performing reliable measurements and then repeat the measurement.*
«ERR 6»	AFIB/MAM Mode	There were too many errors during the measurement in AFIB/MAM mode, making it impossible to obtain a final result. Read through the checklist for performing reliable measurements and then repeat the measurement.*
«HI»	Pulse or cuff pressure too high	The pressure in the cuff is too high (over 299 mmHg) OR the pulse is too high (over 200 beats per minute). Relax for 5 minutes and repeat the measurement.*
«LO»	Pulse too low	The pulse is too low (less than 40 beats per minute). Repeat the measurement.*

* Please immediately consult your doctor, if this or any other problem occurs repeatedly.
If you think the results are unusual, please read through the information in «Important Facts about Blood Pressure and Self-Measurement» section carefully.

Safety and protection

• Follow instructions for use. This document provides important product operation and safety information regarding this device. Please read this document thoroughly before using the device and keep for future reference.
• This device may only be used for the purposes described in these instructions. The manufacturer cannot be held liable for damage caused by incorrect application.
• This device comprises sensitive components and must be treated with caution. Observe the storage and operating conditions described in the «Technical Specifications» section.
• Protect it from:
  • water and moisture
  • extreme temperatures
  • impact and dropping
  • contamination and dust
  • direct sunlight
  • heat and cold
• The cuffs are sensitive and must be handled with care.
• Do not exchange or use any other kind of cuff or cuff connector for measuring with this device.
• Only pump up the cuff once fitted.
• Do not use this device close to strong electromagnetic fields such as mobile telephones or radio installations. Keep a minimum distance of 3.3 m from such devices when using this device.
• Do not use this device if you think it is damaged or notice anything unusual.
• Never open this device.
• If the device is not going to be used for a prolonged period the batteries should be removed.
• Read the additional safety information provided within the individual sections of this instruction manual.
• The measurement results given by this device is not a diagnosis. It is not replacing the need for the consultation of a physician, especially if not matching the patient's symptoms. Do not rely on the measurement result only, always consider other potentially occurring symptoms and the patient's feedback. Calling a doctor or an ambulance is advised if needed.

Ensure that children do not use this device unsupervised; some parts are small enough to be swallowed. Be aware of the risk of strangulation in case this device is supplied with cables or tubes.

Device care

Clean the device only with a soft, dry cloth.

Cleaning the cuff

Carefully remove spots on the cuff with a damp cloth and soapsuds.

Do not wash the cuff in a washing machine or dishwasher!

Accuracy test

We recommend this device is tested for accuracy every 2 years or after mechanical impact (e.g. being dropped). Please contact your local Microlife-Service to arrange the test (see foreword).

Disposal

Batteries and electronic devices must be disposed of in accordance with the locally applicable regulations, not with domestic waste.

Guarantee

This device is covered by a 5 year guarantee from the date of purchase. During this guarantee period, at our discretion, Microlife will repair or replace the defective product free of charge.
Opening or altering the device invalidates the guarantee.

The cuff is covered by a functional guarantee (bladder tightness) for 2 years.
Should guarantee service be required, please contact the dealer from where the product was purchased, or your local Microlife service. You may contact your local Microlife service through our website: www.microlife.com/support

Technical Specifications

This device complies with the requirements of the Medical Device Directive 93/42/EEC.
Technical alterations reserved.

Documents / Resources

References

• Hypertension and Fever Management - Microlife AG
• AFIBsens - Microlife AG
• Request Support Microlife BP Analyzer+ Software - Microlife AG
• Support - Microlife AG

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