The Aneroid sphygmomanometer is the instrument used by doctors to measure blood pressure.
The device consists of an inflatable cuff wrapped around the arm and connected to a pressure recorder.
Sphygmomanometers can be manual or digital, but they all share a few things.
A good sphygmomanometer will have an inflatable cuff, mercury or aneroid manometer to read the reading, and some mechanism for inflation.
Continue reading if you want to know how to use an Aneroid Sphygmomanometer.
What is an Aneroid Sphygmomanometer?
An Aneroid sphygmomanometer is a medical device that measures blood pressure.
It consists of an inflatable cuff that is wrapped around the upper arm.
The cuff is inflated and deflated slowly to measure systolic and diastolic pressures.
The cuff is also connected to a stethoscope to hear the sounds of arterial blood flow, registered on a gauge attached to the cuff.
The systolic pressure is the higher of the two strains.
When the heart beats, blood is forced into the arteries, causing a rise in systolic pressure and a slight decrease as the ventricles prepare for a new beat.
Systolic and diastolic readings are compared to each other to get a task for the mean blood pressure of an adult.
A high reading may indicate hypertension, while a low reading indicates a healthy heart.
Parts of an Aneroid Sphygmomanometer
A sphygmomanometer consists of an inflatable cuff and a measuring gadget.
It also has a valve and bulb. It is an essential tool for medical professionals. Here are some parts of a sphygmomanometer.
Bladder
The bladder of a sphygmomanometer is the inflatable bag that fits inside the double layers of material that make up the cuff.
Cuff
The cuff is the most essential part of a sphygmomanometer. When properly sized, the cuff should fit snugly around the arm.
Manometer
It is a U-shaped tube partly filled with fluid and helps you to measure blood pressure. It displays the blood pressure reading.
Valve
The valve of a sphygmomanometer allows air to be pumped into the cuff and deflates the cuff as needed to obtain an accurate measurement.
Bulb
A sphygmomanometer includes an inflation bulb that is internally hollow and comprises a gas inlet and outlet end.
The Types of Aneroid Sphygmomanometers
There are different types of aneroid sphygmomanometers, which are as follows:
- Pocket-aneroid sphygmomanometer
- Palm aneroid sphygmomanometer
- Clock-style aneroid sphygmomanometer
All these types of aneroid sphygmomanometers consist of a stethoscope attached to the cuff, further connected to a dial gauge with tubing.
The gauge head has a mechanical part that converts the cuff pressure to gauge pressure.
The manometer used in an aneroid sphygmomanometer consists of a watch-like movement to measure the air pressure applied to the cuff.
To expand the diaphragm, the gauge has a series of copper or beryllium, and there are gears to convert the linear movement of the diaphragm to get the readings in mmHg.
A valve is used as a deflation valve.
How to Use an Aneroid Sphygmomanometer
A sphygmomanometer is an instrument used to measure blood pressure.
Here are some steps you need to follow to use a sphygmomanometer.
Step 1: Use a Blood Pressure Cuff of the Correct Size
Using the wrong size blood pressure cuff can cause a false reading. It can also lead to unnecessary worry and treatment.
Ensure the cuff is the correct size for your arm circumference to ensure an accurate measurement.
Step 2: Wrap the Cuff Around the Upper Arm
Cuffs in a BP apparatus aneroid are designed to wrap around the upper arm, just above the elbow. This ensures a smooth and snug fit. It’s best to do this on bare skin, not over clothing.
Step 3: Lightly Press the Stethoscope’s Bell
A stethoscope is a medical tool used to examine heart sounds and murmurs. Place the stethoscope’s bell on the brachial artery when using a sphygmomanometer.
Step 4: Rapidly Inflate the Cuff To 180mmHg
You can use the sphygmomanometer to inflate the cuff to 180 mmHg quickly. The needle on the gauge will then point to this number. After that, you need to release the air at a moderate rate.
Step 5: Listen with the Stethoscope
Once you release the pressure, use the stethoscope to listen to knocking sounds. The first sound is the systolic pressure. Once the sound goes away, it is the diastolic pressure.
Digital vs Aneroid Sphygmomanometers: Which is More Accurate?
Blood pressure measurement is a fundamental aspect of healthcare assessments, and the choice of sphygmomanometer plays a crucial role in obtaining accurate readings.
Two commonly used types of sphygmomanometers are digital and aneroid.
In assessing their accuracy, it’s essential to consider various factors related to their design, usage, and maintenance.
Digital Sphygmomanometers
Digital or electronic sphygmomanometers have gained popularity for their user-friendly features.
These devices are automated, providing a convenient digital display of blood pressure readings.
Typically equipped with automatic inflation, digital displays, and memory storage, they offer a modern and efficient approach to blood pressure monitoring.
The accuracy of digital sphygmomanometers hinges on several factors.
Firstly, the proper selection of cuff size is paramount to ensure the accuracy of readings.
Additionally, regular calibration checks are necessary to maintain precision.
The status of the device’s batteries is another consideration, as low battery levels can compromise accuracy.
Despite these considerations, digital sphygmomanometers are advantageous in terms of ease of use, especially for individuals monitoring their blood pressure at home.
Aneroid Sphygmomanometers
Aneroid sphygmomanometers, in contrast, are manual devices that utilize a gauge to display blood pressure readings.
These devices rely on either a column of mercury or an aneroid mechanism filled with air.
To measure blood pressure using an aneroid sphygmomanometer, a stethoscope is required to detect Korotkoff sounds during the process.
The accuracy of aneroid sphygmomanometers is contingent on proper calibration and usage by trained healthcare professionals.
Regular calibration checks are essential to ensure the device’s accuracy over time.
While aneroid sphygmomanometers are considered accurate when used correctly, they may be susceptible to damage, and their precision can be affected by calibration issues.
Factors Influencing Accuracy
Several factors must be considered when evaluating the accuracy of both types of sphygmomanometers.
User competency is a critical factor; healthcare professionals must be adequately trained to use either digital or aneroid devices.
Inaccuracies[1] can arise from improper cuff placement, insufficient inflation, or misinterpretation of readings.
Maintenance plays a crucial role in preserving accuracy.
Aneroid sphygmomanometers may require more frequent calibration checks to ensure consistent precision.
On the other hand, digital sphygmomanometers necessitate regular battery checks and maintenance to avoid electronic malfunctions that might compromise accuracy.
Ease of Use
The ease of use is a notable distinction between digital and aneroid sphygmomanometers.
Digital devices are often favored for their user-friendly features, providing quick and straightforward readings without the need for manual inflation or the use of a stethoscope.
This makes them particularly suitable for non-clinical settings and individuals monitoring their blood pressure at home.
Aneroid sphygmomanometers, while accurate, involve a more manual process and necessitate the use of a stethoscope, requiring a higher level of training and proficiency.
Durability and Cost Considerations
Durability is a factor to weigh when choosing between digital and aneroid sphygmomanometers.
Aneroid devices are generally considered durable, but they can be damaged if mishandled or dropped.
In contrast, digital sphygmomanometers may have electronic components that are sensitive to rough handling.
Additionally, cost considerations play a role in the selection process.
Aneroid sphygmomanometers are often more cost-effective than their digital counterparts, making them a practical choice for healthcare facilities or individuals with budget constraints.
Key Takeaway
A sphygmomanometer is an instrument used to measure an individual’s blood pressure.
It is an essential tool for physicians, nurses, and people who need to track their blood pressure in their health records.
Furthermore, both digital and aneroid sphygmomanometers can provide accurate blood pressure readings when used correctly and maintained appropriately.
The choice between the two depends on various factors, including user preference, ease of use, and the specific requirements of the healthcare setting.
Regardless of the type chosen, healthcare professionals must adhere to best practices, including proper cuff sizing, regular maintenance, and user competency, to ensure precise blood pressure measurements and, consequently, effective patient care.
Regular calibration checks and adherence to manufacturer guidelines are essential steps in maintaining the accuracy of these vital diagnostic tools.
