Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
05:51

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness

Published on: May 3, 2018

A systematic review of blood pressure monitor validation studies

Rosina Cross1, Ian Porter1, Sinead McDonagh1

  • 1University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.

The British Journal of General Practice : the Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
|May 14, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Accurate blood pressure (BP) monitoring is crucial for hypertension care. Many published BP monitor validations, even those using universal protocols, fail to meet essential criteria, impacting reliable hypertension management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Devices
  • Health Informatics

Background:

  • Accurate blood pressure (BP) measurement is essential for effective hypertension management.
  • Validated BP monitors ensure reliable readings, guiding clinical decisions and public health initiatives.
  • The British and Irish Hypertension Society provides an independent list of validated BP monitors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current BP monitor validation protocols and their adherence to the 2018 universal standard.
  • To assess the proportion of recent BP monitor validation studies that meet established protocol criteria.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of Medline and Embase databases for BP monitor validation studies published from 2018 to September 2025.
  • Independent screening of citations and full texts by two authors.
  • Independent data extraction and review against protocol criteria checklists.

Main Results:

  • Of 197 device validation studies reviewed, 104 (63%) utilized universal protocols.
  • While 93% of validations were reported as successful by authors, only 74% met all protocol criteria upon review.
  • A significant 26% of published successful validations were deemed inadequate due to unmet criteria or protocol violations.

Conclusions:

  • Current journal peer-review processes for BP monitor validation studies show inadequacies.
  • Impartial guidance is necessary for healthcare professionals, purchasers, and the public regarding BP monitor accuracy.
  • Ensuring adherence to validation protocols is critical for reliable hypertension care.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring01:25

Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring

Blood pressure monitoring is a crucial clinical procedure in diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions. Despite its significance, the accuracy of blood pressure measurements can be compromised by multiple factors, potentially leading to either falsely high or low readings. These inaccuracies are critical as they can significantly impact patient care. So, it is vital to understand these challenges deeply and adopt strategic approaches to minimize errors.
Several factors...
Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure01:30

Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure

Direct Method
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...
Sites for measuring blood pressure01:21

Sites for measuring blood pressure

Blood pressure measurement is a fundamental clinical procedure, providing crucial data for assessing cardiovascular health. Among the various sites for this measurement, the brachial and popliteal arteries are predominantly utilized due to their accessibility and the reliability of their readings. This lesson delves into the anatomical significance, methodology, and considerations of measuring blood pressure at these locations.
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure01:28

Special considerations while measuring blood pressure

When assessing blood pressure (BP), healthcare professionals must consider various factors and potential unexpected outcomes to ensure accurate readings and provide proper patient care. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to achieving the most reliable results.
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.
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)01:15

Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)

This procedural guide systematically measures blood pressure using an oscillometric digital sphygmomanometer, emphasizing accuracy, patient safety, and comfort.
Prepare for the Procedure:
Measurement of Blood Pressure01:17

Measurement of Blood Pressure

Assessing blood pressure is a standard procedure executed in virtually all medical environments. The method utilized today was established over a hundred years ago by an innovative Russian doctor, Dr. Nikolai Korotkoff. The soft ticking noise, known as Korotkoff sounds, heard while taking blood pressure readings results from turbulent blood flow within the vessels. The apparatus required for this procedure includes a sphygmomanometer, a blood pressure cuff attached to a gauge, and a stethoscope.