Step 1: Basic Checks
Check certification marks: Verify that the blood pressure monitor's instruction manual indicates compliance with international standards (such as ESH, AAMI).
Check cuff size: The cuff's air bladder should cover 80% of the upper arm circumference. If the error exceeds 5 cm, a different cuff should be used.
Check battery status: Low battery power may lead to inaccurate readings; replace batteries promptly.
Step 2: Comparative Measurement Method
Hospital simultaneous testing: Take your home blood pressure monitor to a hospital and measure simultaneously with a medical device (within a 2-minute interval). A systolic pressure difference of ≤5mmHg and a diastolic pressure difference of ≤3mmHg indicates accuracy.
Family verification: Have a healthy adult measure their blood pressure at the same time. If the difference is >10mmHg, suspect a device malfunction.
Step 3: Standardized Operation and Regular Calibration
Measurement posture: Sit upright with your back straight, the cuff at heart level, and remain seated for 5 minutes before measuring.
Multiple measurements: Take three consecutive measurements, 1 minute apart, and use the average of the last two readings (discard the first reading).
Regular calibration: Electronic blood pressure monitors should be calibrated annually. Contact the manufacturer or a metrology department.
