Clinical evaluation of semiautomatic blood pressure devices for self-recording

Sixteen semiautomatic blood pressure devices for self-recording were compared with a Hawksley random zero sphygmomanometer using three criteria for determination of accuracy: correlation analysis; mean differences; standard deviation of mean differences. Only one of the tested instruments showed excellent results, but three other devices had satisfactory accuracy of blood pressure recording. These devices could be recommended for self-recording by patients. Only minor differences were found between the devices as regards reliability and convenience in use.