Is cuff size important?

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. ADC manufacturers 6 standard series cuff sizes designed to accommodate limbs from about 3.5 in (9 cm) to 25.9 in (66 cm), all with overlapping ranges. Our Size Guide™ Marking System helps prevent mis-cuffing. Most manufacturers utilize a generic size naming system - such as newborn, adult, child, etc. Since there are no standards to define the specific limb range for a particular generic size, some manufacturers, including ADC, also indicate the specific limb range in centimeters right on the cuff. ADC also produces single patient use (spu) cuffs in a neonatal series designed to accommodate limbs from 1.18 in to 15.75 in (3cm to 40cm).