New instruments for measuring blood pressure
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Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Measuring Blood Pressure in Mice using Volume Pressure Recording, a Tail-cuff Method
Published on: May 15, 2009
Abstract:
The development of the conventional indirect method of blood pressure measurement was essentially complete by 1905, 70 years ago. The method has certain shortcomings, but these can be offset to a large degree by control over conditions of measurement, provision of proper apparatus, and intensive training of observers. Still, there are potential advantages which might be met by an acceptable automated device. An experimental evaluation of five such devices led to rejection of each of them on grounds of inadequate measurement performance, mechanical failures, or both. Only the Random-Zero device (Hawksley) among the instruments tested, gave good performance in comparison with the conventional method and was free of serious mechanical disadvantages. Evaluation of new devices will continue to be of great importance, and proposed guidelines for such studies are reviewed.
Related Concept Videos
Sites for measuring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure
This invasive approach involves cannulating a peripheral artery. During each cardiac contraction, pressure generates mechanical motion within the catheter, transmitted through rigid, fluid-filled tubing to a transducer. This transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals displayed as waveforms on a monitor. An automatic flushing system prevents blood backflow. Due to the potential risk of unexpected arterial blood loss, this method is primarily used in intensive...
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Measurement of Blood Pressure

