M_3AS1_2_E&TR_rev2.qxd 09.04.2007 15:54 Page 6
the lower edge of the cuff lies approximately 2 to 3 cm
5.1.Before the measurement: above the elbow and that the rubber tube leaves the 2–3 cm
• Avoid eating, smoking as well as all forms of exertion directly before the measurement. All these factors cuff on the inner side of the arm.
influence the measurement result. Try and find time to relax by sitting in an armchair in a quite Important! The mark (ca. 3 cm long bar) must lie
atmosphere for about ten minutes before the measurement. exactly over the artery which runs down the inner side tube
• Remove any garment that fits closely to your upper arm. of the 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 d) Tighten the free end of the cuff and close the cuff with
changes during the course of the day. the closer.
e) There must be no free space between the arm and the
5.2.Common sources of error: cuff as this would influence the result. Clothing must not
Note: restrict the arm. Any piece of clothing which does (e.g. a
Comparable blood-pressure measurements always require the same conditions! pullover) must be taken off.
These are normally always quiet conditions.
f) Secure the cuff with the Velcro closer in such a way that
• All efforts by the patient to support the arm can increase the blood-pressure. Make sure you are in a it lies comfortably and is not too tight. Lay the arm on
comfortable, relaxed position and do not activate any of the muscles in the measurement arm during the the table (palm upwards) so that the cuff is at the same
measurement. Use a cushion for support if necessary. height as the heart. Make sure that the tube is not
• If the arm artery lies considerably lower (higher) than the heart, an erroneously higher (lower) blood- kinked.
pressure will be measured! (Each 15 cm difference in height results in a measurement error of
10 mmHg!) g) Remain seated quietly for two minutes before you begin
• Cuffs that are too narrow or too short result in false measurement values. Selecting the correct cuff is of the measurement.
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.
• With repeated measurements, blood accumulates in the respective arm, which can lead to false results.
Correctly executed blood-pressure measurements should therefore first be repeated after a 1 minute Comment:
pause. If it is not possible to fit the cuff to the left arm, it can also be
placed on the right one. However all measurements should
5.3.Fitting the cuff be made using the same arm
a) Pass the end of the cuff (with sewn-in rubber stopper)
through the metal stirrup so that a loop is formed. The 5.4.Measuring procedure
Velcro closer must be facing outwards. (Ignore this step After the cuff has been appropriately positioned, the
if the cuff has already been prepared.) measurement can begin:
a) Switch on the instrument by pressing the O/I-Memory
b) Push the cuff over the left upper arm so that the tube button. Make sure the tube is properly attached to the
points in the direction of the lower arm. instrument. The following appears in the display for 2
seconds: (Diag.). A short be-be-beep follows to indicate
that the instrument has equilibrated with the pressure of
the surroundings and the measurement can therefore
begin.
A «0» is shown in the display.
c) Lay the cuff on the arm as illustrated. Make certain that b) Grasp the handle and bulb with your free hand and
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