Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: This paper focuses on the evaluation of accuracy and reliability of previously designed oscillometric based Non Invasive Blood Pressure (NIBP) instrument by means of a comparative analysis with the standard cuff mercury sphygmomanometer based on auscultation. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Thirty healthy subjects between the ages of 18-23 were examined by successive application of both devices having identical cuffs and site of measurement. The analysis of means and bias values demonstrated that our designed oscillometric NIBP monitor under-read all blood pressure values compared to mercury manometer. Findings: The mean oscillometric NIBP readings (Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) 119.65 ± 8.25, Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) 76.82 ± 6.12 and Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) 91.1 ± 4.76) were significantly lower than its auscultatory counterpart (SBP 127.03 ± 8.7, DBP 81.4 ± 6.2 and MAP 96.6 ± 4.95). F-test showed that the devised prototype is precise and comparable to a reference mercury manometer. A p-value of <0.05 was recognized to be statistically considerable. Conclusively, the designed NIBP monitoring prototype exhibited a tendency to measure lower blood pressure values than the auscultatory sphygmomanometer; but both devices were well comparable. The difference found, was statistically significant but below the level of physiological significance. Application/Improvements: This oscillometric NIBP prototype may be used for training as well as learning objectives. Furthermore, this prototype can be improved by Arduino based microcontroller and kit in the future studies.

Keywords: Auscultatory Method, Brachial Artery, Non Invasive Blood Pressure, Oscillometric Method, Sphygmomanometer