Low-cost oscillometric non-invasive blood pressure monitors: device repeatability and device differences

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices
• Cardiovascular Health

Background:

• Automated non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) devices using oscillometry are widely used for self-measurement and clinical monitoring.
• Concerns exist regarding the suitability of oscillometric devices for diagnostic accuracy compared to the manual auscultatory method.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the within-device repeatability and between-device differences of automated NIBP devices.
• To evaluate the suitability of oscillometric devices for diagnostic measurements by quantifying device variability.

Main Methods:

• Nineteen low-cost, automated NIBP devices were tested using a repeatable artificial arm simulator.
• Within-device repeatability and between-device differences were measured for systolic and diastolic pressures.

Main Results:

• Devices demonstrated good within-device repeatability, with a mean difference of 1 mmHg.
• Significant between-device differences were observed: 4.4 mmHg for systolic and 3.6 mmHg for diastolic pressure.
• Variability was assessed for normal and high-normal blood pressure ranges.

Conclusions:

• Individual automated NIBP devices are repeatable enough for monitoring clinical trends.
• The substantial differences between devices could be misinterpreted as clinically significant diagnostic variations.
• Further standardization or calibration may be needed for reliable diagnostic use of automated NIBP devices.