Clinical validation of an automatic device measuring blood pressure in thefingers

Background. To assess the agreement between a new automatic device (FS-20D) using a cuff-oscillometric method to measure arterial blood pressure (BP) in the fingers and a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Methods. The blood pressure measurements were taken in a sequential order, in a sample of both normotensive subjects (n. 57) and slight to moderate hy pertensive patients (n. 28) without vascular complications. Results, The mean sphygmomanometer-monitor difference was 0.52+/-4.57 mmHg for systolic and 0.25+/-4.41 mmHg for diastolic values; the agreement limit s were: SEP -8.6 divided by 9.6 mmHg, 95% CI: -0.5 divided by 1.5; DBP: -8. 6 divided by 9.1 mmHg, 95% CI:-0.7 divided by 1.2. The grade of agreement b etween the monitor and the sphygmomanometer was "A" (British Hypertension S ociety) for both systolic and diastolic values (difference of readings <5 m mHg: 82%; <10 mmHg: 97% for systolic blood pressure, 98% of diastolic blood pressure). Conclusions. The monitor was proved to be reliable with a good level of pre cision and accuracy. The FS-20D monitor may be used in self-monitoring of b lood pressure of patients with slight to moderate hypertension.