Q: What are the two main types of sphygmomanometers?
A: There are three different types of sphygmomanometers: mercury, aneroid, and digital. FirstCare offers both mercury and aneroid sphygmomanometers to our clients.
Q: What are the parts of a Sphygmomanometer?
A: Parts of a Sphygmomanometer:
Bulb - The bulb pumps air into the cuff. An end (check) valve prevents air from escaping.
Manometer - The portion of the sphygmomanometer that measures the air pressure in mmHg.
Cuff - The cuff is designed to hold the bladder around the limb during measurement.
Bladder - The bladder is the inflatable bag that, when filled, compresses the arm to occlude the artery.
Q: How to check the accuracy of aneroid sphygmomanometers?
A: For accurate Measurement, it is not necessary for the gauge needle to rest at zero point but please make sure that the gauge needle should rest within the area of zero square prior to use. The zero square itself reflects the warranty for accuracy, i.e. ± 3 mmHg.
Q: Should sphygmomanometer unit be calibrated periodically?
A: Yes, sphygmomanometer unit should be calibrated regularly for at least once a year.
Q: Which is more accurate: mercurial or aneroid sphygmomanometer?
A: By law, both instruments must initially be within 3mmHg of a reference standard. However, because aneroid gauges rely on gears and mechanical linkages, mercury instruments will likely REMAIN accurate for a longer period of time. However, there is a trade-off; mercury instruments are generally not as portable and necessitate the use of 99.9999% pure elemental mercury, which is being banned by more and more municipalities and states.
Q: Why is it important to have latex-free products?
A: Latex sensitivity is a serious problem for both patients and healthcare workers. It is estimated that 7% of the general population and up to 17% of healthcare workers are latex sensitive, with reactions ranging from mild skin irritation to anaphylactic shock. All of FirstCare’s first aid products are LATEX-FREE.
Q: How can I test the accuracy of my aneroid manometer?
A: The only way to be 100% sure is to connect the manometer in series to an instrument of known accuracy and test during deflation at a variety of pressures (i.e. 300, 260, 180, 120, 60, etc.) When testing your sphygmomanometer, it is important that you check the accuracy in accordance with national or international standards that may be applicable to your device. For sold in the US, the European Union and other international destinations, the ANSI/AAMI/ISO 81060 standard entitled Non-invasive sphygmomanometers — Part 1: Requirements and test methods for non-automated measurement type is applicable.