Carrying Out A Measurement; Before The Measurement; Common Sources Of Error; Fitting The Cuff - Microlife BP 3BTO-A Instruction Manual

5.

Carrying out a measurement

5.1. Before the measurement

• Avoid eating, smoking as well as all forms of exertion directly before the measurement. All these
factors influence the measurement result. Try and find time to relax by sitting in an armchair in a quite
atmosphere for about 5 minutes before the measurement.
• Remove any garment that fits closely to your upper arm.
• Measure always on the same arm (normally left).
• Attempt to carry out the measurements regularly at the same time of day, since the blood-pressure
changes during the course of the day.

5.2. Common sources of error

Note: Comparable blood-pressure measurements always require the same conditions! These are normally
always quiet conditions.
• All efforts by the patient to support the arm can increase the blood-pressure. Make sure you are in a
comfortable, relaxed position and do not activate any of the muscles in the measurement arm during
the measurement. Use a cushion for support if necessary.
• If the arm artery lies considerably lower (higher) than the heart, an erroneously higher (lower) blood-
pressure will be measured! (Each 15cm difference in height results in a measurement error of10mmHg!)
• Cuffs that are too narrow or too short result in false measurement values. Selecting the correct cuff is
of extraordinary importance. The cuff size is dependent upon the circumference of the arm (measured
in the centre). The permissible range is printed on the cuff. If this is not suitable for your use, please
contact your dealer.
Note: Only use clinically approved Original-Cuffs!
• A loose cuff or a sideways protruding air-pocket causes false measurement values.

5.3. Fitting the cuff

a) Push the cuff over the left upper arm so that the tube
points in the direction of the lower arm.
b) Lay the cuff on the arm as illustrated. Make certain that
the lower edge of the cuff lies approximately 2 to 3 cm
above the elbow and that the rubber tube leaves the cuff
on the inner side of the arm.
Important! The mark (ca. 3 cm long bar) must lie exactly
over the artery which runs down the inner side of the arm.
c) Tighten the free end of the cuff and close the cuff with the
closer.
d) There must be no free space between the arm and the cuff
as this would influence the result. Clothing must not
restrict the arm. Any piece of clothing which does
(e.g. a pullover) must be taken off.
6
2–3 cm
tube