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Ambulance sphygmomanometers are frequently inaccurate
C E Cady1, R G Pirrallo, C E Grim
1Medical College of Wisconsin, Department of Emergency Medicine 53226, USA.
Prehospital Emergency Care
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Many sphygmomanometers used by emergency medical services (EMS) are inaccurate or unreliable. This study found 73% of devices failed accuracy or reliability tests, potentially impacting patient care.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Emergency Medicine
- Clinical Measurement
Background:
- Accurate blood pressure measurement is critical in emergency medical services (EMS).
- The reliability of commonly used sphygmomanometers in EMS settings is often unverified.
- Inaccurate devices can lead to misdiagnosis and suboptimal patient treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the accuracy and reliability of sphygmomanometers utilized within a metropolitan EMS system.
- To identify the prevalence of inaccurate or unreliable blood pressure devices in pre-hospital care.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study evaluated 150 sphygmomanometers from Milwaukee County EMS personnel.
- Device accuracy was tested against a standard mercury manometer at multiple pressure points (60, 90, 120, 200 mm Hg).
- Device reliability (leaks) was assessed by inflating the cuff and measuring pressure loss over one minute.
Main Results:
- Overall, 25% of devices were inaccurate, with 28% inaccurate at 90 mm Hg.
- A significant 63% of devices exhibited leaks, indicating unreliability.
- A combined 73% of sphygmomanometers failed either accuracy or reliability criteria.
Conclusions:
- A substantial majority of sphygmomanometers in this EMS system do not meet accuracy and reliability standards.
- The findings suggest that accurate blood pressure readings may not be consistently obtainable with current equipment.
- Urgent attention is needed to ensure the quality and performance of vital diagnostic tools in emergency medical services.