The British Hypertension Society protocol for the evaluation of automated and semi-automated blood pressure measuring devices with special reference to ambulatory systems

J Hypertens. 1990 Jul;8(7):607-19. doi: 10.1097/00004872-199007000-00004.

Abstract

With the increasing manufacture of expensive systems for the measurement of ambulatory blood pressure there is a need for potential purchasers to be able to satisfy themselves that the systems have been evaluated according to agreed criteria. The British Hypertension Society has, therefore, drawn up a protocol of requirements for the evaluation of these devices. This protocol incorporates many features of the American National Standard for Non-Automated Sphygmomanometers but includes many additional features, such as strict criteria for observer training, interdevice variability testing before and after a month of ambulatory use, and a new system of analysis which permits the test system to be graded. It is recommended that manufacturers of ambulatory blood pressure measuring devices should obtain an unbiased evaluation according to a recognized standard before a device is marketed.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Pressure Monitors / standards*
  • Equipment Design
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Humans
  • Hypertension* / diagnosis
  • Reference Standards
  • Societies, Medical*
  • United Kingdom