42
Instructions For Use
EN
7.3 Maternal Blood Pressure
Team3 can measure the mother’s systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and the average
pulse rate during the measurement. Measurements can be made manually or automatically (at an interval
defined by the user).
An alarm is triggered if the mother’s blood pressure goes above or below certain limits. The alarm can be
switched off if preferred.
In countries where mean arterial pressure is not used, the value may be disabled on the Team3
printout and display.
Attaching the cuff
The correct selection, & positioning, of cuffs is of paramount importance in ensuring reliable BP readings.
Cuff size
It is essential to ensure that the cuff size is matched to the patient’s arm circumference. Two cuff sizes are
supplied as standard with the Team3 blood pressure option:
•
Medium cuff – covering arm circumferences from 24-32cm (color: blue)
•
Large cuff – covering circumferences from 32-42cm (color: grey)
While the above should cover the vast majority of patients, other cuff sizes are available as optional accessories.
Use of an incorrectly sized cuff may result in errors in the BP measurement.
Cuff positioning
To ensure accurate measurement, the cuff must be positioned correctly. It is positioned on the upper arm, and
can be applied over light clothing. Any tight, thick or constrictive clothing should be removed.
The cuff must be applied with the hose coming out at the bottom of the cuff, not the top, and should be level with
the heart.
When fitting the cuff, note the position of the 'Artery marker' printed on the cuff. Do NOT rely on the
hose as the artery position marker.
Other considerations
There are many other factors which can effect BP measurement & reflect best practice against national &
international guidelines.
Key issues that affect accuracy of BP measurements:
•
The patient should be relaxed & rested – minimum 3 minutes before commencing measurement
•
The patient should not smoke, exercise or consume caffeine for 30 minutes before the test
• The patient should be sitting upright & comfortably with the arm raised to the level of the heart, suitably
supported – it should not be held in position by the patient
• The patient should not move or speak during the test
•
The cuff must be of the correct size & correctly positioned as detailed above – do NOT rely on the
hose as the artery position marker
A conventional sphygmomanometer uses a fundamentally different method of measuring BP based on
