8
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. 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. Excessive
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 pressure, and
the disappearance of these sounds as diastolic pressure. (Some healthcare
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.
Backlight Control
The default setting on your digital gauge is to have the back light on once the
pressure is inflated over 30 mmHg, and throughout the measurement process.
To switch the backlight off at any time, press the “ ” button on the left side.
You will need to deactivate the backlight each time you power on the instrument.
Assembling your Sphygmomanometer
Your inflation system is pre-assembled and ready for use. You will need to simply
connect your digital gauge to the complete inflation system by inserting the twist lock
connector (pre-assembled on a bladder tube) into the air port at the bottom of the digital
gauge, twist to lock.
If you will be hanging the gauge from the cuff gauge holder, it is recommended that the
bladder tubing connecting the gauge be trimmed to a length of 6” to 9” for convenience.
(Note: Be sure to retain the twist lock connector needed to attach the digital gauge to the
tubing.)
Measurement Procedure
(Auscultatory Method)
1. Patient Position
: The patient should sit or lie comfortably. The arm should be fully
supported on a flat surface at heart level. (If the arm’s position varies, or is not level
with the heart, measurement values obtained will not be consistent with the patient’s
true blood pressure.)
2. Apply the cuff:
To attach the digital gauge, plug the connector into the gauge and
twist clockwise to ensure a secure connection. The e-sphyg
TM
gauge can be either
clipped on the gauge hang tab, or held in your hand during use. ADCUFF
TM
nylon cuffs
are specially designed to promote the accurate determination of blood pressure. Index
and range markings ensure use of the correct cuff size. The artery mark indicates
proper cuff positioning.
Place the cuff over the bare upper arm with the artery mark positioned directly over
the brachial artery. The bottom edge of the cuff should be positioned approximately
one inch above the antecubital fold. Wrap the end of the cuff not containing the
bladder around the arm snugly and smoothly and engage adhesive strips. To verify a
correct fit, check that the Index Line falls between the two Range Lines.
3. Activate the digital aneroid and inflate the cuff:
Press the “ ” On/Off button to
activate your digital gauge. After zeroing, your digital gauge is ready to measure. Close
the ADFLOW
TM
valve by turning thumbscrew clockwise. Palpate the radial artery while
inflating the cuff. Be sure to inflate cuff quickly by squeezing bulb rapidly. Inflate cuff
20-30 mmHg above the point at which the radial pulse disappears.
