Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 25, 2026

Tilt Testing with Combined Lower Body Negative Pressure: a "Gold Standard" for Measuring Orthostatic Tolerance
Published on: March 21, 2013
The Maxi Stabil 3: validation of an aneroid device according to a modified British Hypertension Society protocol
Annemarie Reinders1, Clare R Jones, Alexandra C Cuckson
1Maternal and Fetal Research Unit, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.
Background:
Measuring blood pressure with mercury-independent alternatives is rapidly gaining attention. Mercury will be phased out of clinical use as a result of environmental, health and safety concerns and it is of vital importance that any alternative to mercury has to be of a recognized standard. We assessed the accuracy of the Maxi Stabil 3 aneroid device in an adult population according to a modified British Hypertension Society protocol (with the low systolic category changed from less than 90 mmHg to less than 100 mmHg).
Population:
Eighty-five subjects were recruited from among staff and patients at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals, London, UK.
Methods:
The aneroid device was connected in parallel to two mercury sphygmomanometers. Nine sequential same-arm measurements were taken from each subject by two trained observers, alternating between mercury sphygmomanometry and the aneroid device. Simultaneous mercury readings were also recorded for additional analysis.
Results:
The device achieved an A grade for both systolic and diastolic pressures and fulfilled the requirements of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. The mean and standard deviation for systolic and diastolic pressures respectively were -0.6 (4.6) mmHg and -1.3 (3.5) mmHg in sequential analysis, and -1.3 (2.2) mmHg and -1.9 (2.7) mmHg in simultaneous analysis.
Conclusion:
The Maxi Stabil aneroid device can be recommended for use in an adult population.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
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:
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
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.
Sites for measuring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
