Assessment of oscillometric non-invasive blood pressure monitors using the Dynatech Nevada CuffLink analyser

The assessment of the functional performance of non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) monitors using a commercially available NIBP analyser (Dynatech CuffLink) was evaluated. The CuffLink includes facilities for performing a static pressure calibration, and safety cut-out pressure, leak rate and rapid deflate time measurements. Cuff pressure oscillations simulating a range of blood pressures at a range of heart rates enable dynamic tests of NIBP monitors to be performed. By reducing the magnitude of the cuff pressure oscillations the sensitivity of a monitor to weak pulsations can be determined. The CuffLink does not provide facilities for assessing the ability of the monitor to reject movement artifact. The CuffLink tests were performed on 10 different models of NIBP monitor. The results demonstrate the variable nature of systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure readings from NIBP monitors (even under stable laboratory conditions), reinforcing the importance of not relying on individual readings, but rather to consider the average of a few successive readings. Normative data for two models of NIBP monitor are provided. Applications of the CuffLink are discussed with reference to a protocol for NIBP monitor performance checks.