Professional Sphygmomanometers

It is often difficult to tell the difference between competing brands of blood pressure instruments. With retail prices from as little as $10 to nearly $250 for a basic pocket aneroid, and appearances so similar, it can be tempting to select the least expensive brands.

A few manufacturers produce so called "adjustable" gauges. These gauges permit the indicator needle to be re-set to the zero point using a conventional jeweler's screwdriver inserted into the air inlet at the base of the gauge. ANSI/AAMI/ISO 81060 prohibits the manufacture of any instrument with an adjustable dial, except by use of a specialized tool. We hardly think a jeweler's screwdriver available from virtually any hardware store qualifies as a "specialized" tool.

Incorrect cuff sizing can greatly affect the accuracy of blood pressure measurement. Too small a cuff will cause an overestimation of blood pressure, and too large a cuff an underestimation. Multicuff kits are blood pressure instruments that contain more than one cuff size. ADC's various multicuff kits contain from 3 to 5 cuffs (with limb ranges from 3.5cm to 66cm) packaged in a variety of carry cases and stands that allow rapid selection of the most appropriate cuff.

ADCUFF™ is the trademarked name for ADC's line of professional blood pressure cuffs, inflation bladders, and SPU (single patient use) cuffs. The ADCUFF™ was carefully designed to balance the requirements of ANSI/AAMI/ISO 81060 and AHA recommendations while combining the real-world needs of our customers.

Very. Incorrect sizing could lead to measurement error when the mis-sized cuff fails to properly compress the brachial artery. Cuff size is determined by the size of the bladder, also known as the inflation bag. According to AHA and ANSI standards, the bladder should measure at least 80% of the intended limb circumference in length. The bladder width should measure at least 40% of its length. The cuff itself should then be designed AND marked to encourage or even restrict use to the limb circumference established by its bladder.

Latex sensitivity is a serious problem for both patients and healthcare workers. It is estimated that 7% of the general population and up to 17% of healthcare workers are latex sensitive, with reactions ranging from mild skin irritation to anaphylactic shock.

ALL ADC products are 100% LATEX-FREE.

ADC's 804 series gauge uses a quick release luer slip connector designed to allow rapid selection of the appropriate cuff. To attach, push and twist the tube connector into the gauge air inlet. When properly attached, less than 1/16" of the connector should show and the tubing should remain secure even under the harshest conditions. Do not force as it may be difficult to separate the connector from the port.

It depends on the manufacturer. In our case, it indicates that the gauge has been produced and tested to meet the U.S. Accuracy Standard of +/- 3 mmHg. This certification is our pledge and your guarantee for an accurate reading.

By law, both instruments must initially be within 3mmHg of a reference standard. However, because aneroid gauges rely on gears and mechanical linkages, mercury instruments will likely REMAIN accurate for a longer period of time. However, there is a trade-off; mercury instruments are generally not as portable and necessitate the use of 99.9999% pure elemental mercury, which is being banned by more and more municipalities and states.

Aneroid sphygs utilize mechanical gears and a mechanical linkage which can wear out or be knocked out of calibration. ADC aneroids are designed to provide a visual indication of accuracy. Our aneroid will require re-calibration if the indicator needle is outside the oval at the bottom of the dial. Unfortunately, when the needle is inside the oval, you can't be absolutely sure that the gauge is in calibration, unless it is a brand new unit from a reputable manufacturer (that's because gauges can be tampered with - some more easily than others).