Diagnostic Guidelines for Blood Pressure Screening Techniques
Types of Blood Pressure Devices

Blood pressure measurement devices are categorized as: manual sphygmomanometers, digital non-portable for upper arm with automatic inflation, digital portable for upper arm with automatic inflation, digital portable for wrist with automatic inflation, and digital portable for finger with automatic inflation. In recent testing by Consumer Reports, 29 models were tested with trained medical personnel conducting 6,000 readings on men and women. The upper arm cuff devices were found to be more accurate than wrist devices. The AHA recommends an automatic, cuff-style, upper-arm monitor. The Omron brand (Figure 1) continues to be rated high by Consumer Reports. Recent testing by Consumer Reports also rated Rite Aid, A&D Medical, and ReliOn (Walmart) high for consistent accuracy.

For manual sphygmomanometers, the sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff or machine) consists of an inflatable cuff and two tubes; one tube is connected to the pressure hand control bulb and the other tube to the pressure gauge (Figure 2). The size of the patient determines the size of the cuff selected. There are several cuff sizes. The cuff width should be 20% greater than the diameter of the arm. When a cuff is too narrow, the blood pressure reading is too high; when the cuff is too large, the reading is too low.

Selection Criteria for BP Cuff Size

The stethoscope, a listening aid that magnifies sound is used with manual devices and consists of two earpieces that are connected by tubes that carry the sound to the earpieces from the end piece, which is placed over the artery (Figure 3). Dental professionals should invest in quality stethoscopes that detect sound easily. Providers should not have to strain to hear sounds. Replace parts to existing stethoscopes or replace entire stethoscope if necessary.