Are Measurement Readings of Hospital Sphygmomanometers Accurate?

OBJECTIVE: An accurate sphygmomanometer should be used in the diagnosis and follow up of hypertension. The aims of this study were to evaluate accuracy of hospital blood pressure measuring devices and to inform health care staff measuring blood pressure.

MATERIAL and METHODS: The study which included 119 aneroid and seven mercury sphygmomanometers was conducted in 2009. The knowledge of the staff and information about devices was determined with a questionnaire. The accuracy of the devices was checked by a Y-connection system. In addition, the mechanical features of the devices were also evaluated.

RESULTS: A total of 56 staff responded to the questionnaire about 126 devices and 53 staff (95%) knew that sphygmomanometers should be checked for accuracy. Six (11%) staff knew how the devices should be checked. All cuff sizes were standard. 49 (41%) of the aneroid devices were inaccurate. Inaccuracy was greater than 10 mm Hg in only fi ve (4%) of the devices. There was a statistical relationship between accuracy and usage duration of the devices (p<0.01). None of the mercury spyhgmomanometers had a mechanical problem. Of the 126 devices, 77 (61%) were accurate.

CONCLUSION: The number of studies about hospital sphygmomanometers is limited. The limited number of studies emphasize the importance of the subject as in our study. The accuracy of spyhgmomanometers used in hospitals should be tested regularly and staff should be trained about this subject.