Comparison between electronic BP apparatus [dynamap/datascope] versus standard mercury sphygmometer

ABSTRACT

To assess the accuracy of blood pressure measurement in adult population by Datascope/Dynamap versus Standard Mercury Sphygmometer, in a family physician's office. A cross sectional study was conducted in June 2008 at a university based teaching hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Eighty adult male subjects were recruited from a family physician's office. Blood pressure was taken from each participant by primary investigator by two different monitors i.e. sphygmometer and Datascope/dynamap. Highly significant different observed in systolic as well as diastolic blood pressure measurement by Datascope vs. mercury sphygmometer [P value less than 0.0001]. Highly significant different was seen in systolic blood pressure measurement by Datascope. Mercury Sphygmometer and Palpatory methods [P value less than 0.0001]. Significant different also was seen in pulse rate, checked by manually versus Datascope [P value 0.0008]. There was highly significant different between time taken to check blood pressure by Datascope versus Mercury Sphygmometer [P value less than 0.0001]. This study concluded that the electronic blood pressure monitor [Datascope/Dynamap] is not as good and accurate as universally accepted Mercury Sphygmometer for measurement of blood pressure in adult male population