Carrying Out A Measurement; Before The Measurement; Common Sources Of Error; Fitting The Cuff - Microlife 3BU1-5 Manual De Instrucciones

IB 3BU1-5(new address) 2003.8.21

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 quiet atmos-
phere for about ten minutes before the measurement.
• Always measure on the same wrist (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 blood pres-
sure. Make sure you are in a comfortable, relaxed position and do not
activate any of the muscles in the measurement arm during the meas-
urement. Use a cushion for support if necessary.
• If the wrist artery lies considerably lower (higher) than the heart, an
erroneously higher (lower) blood pressure will be measured! (Each
15cm/6" difference in height results in a measurement error
of10mmHg!)
• A loose cuff 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 5 minute
pause or after the arm has been held up in order to allow the accumu-
lated blood to flow away (after at least 3 minutes).

5.3. Fitting the cuff

a)Remove all objects and jewelry (e.g. wrist-
watch) from the wrist in use. Put the cuff
over the wrist with the monitor face on
the inside of the wrist.
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b) The distance between the cuff and the
hand should be approx. 10 mm (1/2").
c) Secure the cuff with the Velcro fastener,
so that it lies comfortably and not too
tight. No space should remain between
the cuff and the wrist.
d) Lay your arm on a table, with the palm
upwards.
Support the arm a little with a cushion, so thatthe cuff rests at about the
same height as the heart. Remain still for 2 minutes, before beginning the
measurement.

5.4. Measuring procedure

After the cuff has been appropriately positioned, and you've selected User
1 or User 2, the measurement can begin:
a) If you want to take an Average Mode
measurement position the slide switch to
the 3. Remember, in this mode, the unit
takes 3 measurements (one after another)
and calculates the result. There is a 35
second rest time between measurements.
The unit beeps five seconds before each
upcoming measurement.
(Data obtained in Average Mode are indi-
cated by an A symbol.)
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