Background: The market for devices for the self-measurement of blood pressure is growing, and as accuracy is of prime importance, there is increasing pressure for manufacturers to provide evidence of independent testing. Recent reviews have shown that only five automated upper arm devices for self-measurement of blood pressure have been recommended for use. We tested the Microlife BP 3BTO-A, a lightweight, upper arm, automated oscillometric device, according to a modified version of the British Hypertension Society protocol and also analysed the computer-generated oscillograms for possible causes of inaccuracy.
Methods: One hundred and twenty-six subjects were recruited from general medical and specialist clinics and from amongst the staff at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK. Only 85 of these were included in the final analysis. Nine sequential readings were taken by two trained observers alternating between the mercury sphygmomanometer and the device. The last seven readings were analysed according to the British Hypertension Society protocol. Modifications to the protocol were: (1) the exclusion of patients whose blood pressure varied by more than 15 mmHg between sequential observer readings and (2) limited testing in the low systolic pressure range.
Results: The Microlife achieved a grade A for both systolic and diastolic pressure according to the British Hypertension Society protocol. The mean differences (standard deviation) between the observers and the device were -1.6 (7.7) mmHg and -2.1 (6.3) mmHg for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively, therefore also fulfilling the criteria set by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. Sub-analysis for different pressure ranges showed that the device was less accurate in the high-pressure range (>160/100 mmHg).
Conclusion: The Microlife can be recommended for clinical use in an adult population.
Copyright 2002 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins