ERRORS IN ASSESSMENT OF BLOOD-PRESSURE - SPHYGMOMANOMETERS AND BLOOD-PRESSURE CUFFS

This article reviews the current recommendations on equipment when blo od pressure is measured by sphygmomanometer. The scientific rationale underlying the current recommendations for selection and maintenance o f blood pressure measuring equipment is presented. The errors that can occur when the recommendations are not followed are quantified whenev er the data are available. Inadequate assessment and maintenance of eq uipment often lead to the use of faulty equipment, and as a result err ors in the assessment of patients' blood pressure are likely to be com mon. If followed, the current guidelines for use and maintenance of eq uipment would remove most of the problems noted. Physicians must ensur e that properly maintained and appropriate equipment is used to measur e blood pressure.