9
4. Position the Stethoscope:
Position the chestpiece in the antecubital space
below the cuff, distal to the brachium. Do not place the chestpiece underneath the
cuff, as this impedes accurate measurement. Use the bell side of a combination
stethoscope for clearest detection of the low pitched Korotkoff (pulse) sounds.
5. Systolic Assist Function and Pulse Rate Display:
Your digital e-sphyg
TM
gauge is equipped with a systolic assist function to help you more easily determine
the onset of systolic blood pressure. As you deflate the cuff, a heart symbol will
flash when the pressure is within about 20 mmHg of systolic pressure. Once you
see the flashing symbol, pay close attention for the start of phase 1 Korotkoff
sounds. Press the “Systolic Assist” button to record the systolic pressure in mem-
ory. The digital gauge will also measure the patient’s pulse while you are measuring
blood pressure, and display this information on the LCD screen once the cuff has
been deflated.
Note:
Systolic assist and pulse display features are NOT motion tolerant. Exces-
sive movement may interfere with accurate display of these features. Excessive
movement will NOT interfere with accurate determination of blood pressure using
the e-sphyg
TM
.
6. Deflate the cuff:
Open the valve to deflate the cuff gradually at a rate of 2-5
mmHg per second (2-3 is preferred). The display will show the average deflation
rate in the lower right corner of the LCD screen.
Caution:
Excessive deflation rates (in excess of 7mmHg) will lead to inaccurate
measurement and will make it difficult to pinpoint the readings on the display.
7. Measurement:
Record the onset of Korotkoff sounds as the systolic pres-
sure, and the disappearance of these sounds as diastolic pressure. (Some health-
care professionals recommend recording diastolic 1 and diastolic 2. Diastolic 1
occurs at phase 4).
After measurement is completed, open valve fully to release any remaining air in
the cuff. The digital gauge will now display the patient’s pulse. Remove cuff.
