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. 2010 Jul;24(7):431-8.
doi: 10.1038/jhh.2010.37. Epub 2010 Apr 8.

Determining which automatic digital blood pressure device performs adequately: a systematic review

Y Wan  1 , C Heneghan, R Stevens, R J McManus, A Ward, R Perera, M Thompson, L Tarassenko, D Mant
Affiliations

Determining which automatic digital blood pressure device performs adequately: a systematic review

Y Wan et al. J Hum Hypertens. 2010 Jul.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to systematically examine the proportion of accurate readings attained by automatic digital blood pressure (BP) devices in published validation studies. We included studies of automatic digital BP devices using recognized protocols. We summarized the data as mean and s.d. of differences between measured and observed BP, and proportion of measurements within 5 mm Hg. We included 79 articles (10,783 participants) reporting 113 studies from 22 different countries. Overall, 25/31 (81%), 37/41 (90%) and 34/35 (97%) devices passed the relevant protocols [BHS, AAMI and ESH international protocol (ESH-IP), respectively]. For devices that passed the BHS protocol, the proportion of measured values within 5 mm Hg of the observed value ranged from 60 to 86% (AAMI protocol 47-94% and ESH-IP 54-89%). The results for the same device varied significantly when a different protocol was used (Omron HEM-907 80% of readings were within 5 mm Hg using the AAMI protocol compared with 62% with the ESH-IP). Even devices with a mean difference of zero show high variation: a device with 74% of BP measurements within 5 mm Hg would require six further BP measurements to reduce variation to 95% of readings within 5 mm Hg. Current protocols for validating BP monitors give no guarantee of accuracy in clinical practice. Devices may pass even the most rigorous protocol with as few as 60% of readings within 5 mm Hg of the observed value. Multiple readings are essential to provide clinicians and patients with accurate information on which to base diagnostic and treatment decisions.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flowchart of search results.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Means and s.d. of errors in systolic BP in devices passing, or failing (marked dagger), the British Hypertension Society protocol.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Means and s.d. of errors in systolic BP in devices passing, or failing (marked dagger), the AAMI protocol.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Means and s.d. of errors in systolic BP in devices passing, or failing (marked dagger), the ESH-IP protocol.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Mean and single s.d. of errors in BP monitors in repeated studies of the same monitor.
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