Sphygmomanometers

Learn More About the Sphygmomanometer and Its Uses in Modern Medicine

The sphygmomanometer is a device used in many doctor’s offices and hospitals. It is a tool used by physicians and nurses to take your blood pressure. Since abnormal blood pressure readings can point to an underlying problem, it is an indispensable preventative tool in modern medicine.

To learn more about the sphygmomanometer, blood pressure readings, blood pressure measurements, and even blood pressure monitors, be sure to read the information provided by the Mentone Educational team below.

What Is a Sphygmomanometer?

A sphygmomanometer, also known as a blood pressure monitor, meter or gauge is a device used to measure blood pressure. It consists of:

• An inflatable cuff designed to wrap around the upper arm;
• A mechanism for inflation, either a manually or electronically operated bulb or pump;
• A measuring unit, displaying the reading of the systolic and diastolic pressure during arterial blood flow.

The term “sphygmomanometer” comes from the Greek word “sphygmos”, meaning the pulse or beating of the heart, and “manometer”, meaning a tension or pressure-measuring device. It was first invented in 1881 by American physician, Samuel Siegfried Karl Ritter von Basch and has since been modernised to become one of the most popular and essential medical instruments used today.

What Are the Different Types of Sphygmomanometers?

At Mentone Educational, you will find an extensive range of sphygmomanometers for sale, including both aneroid sphygmomanometers and digital sphygmomanometers.

When you buy equipment from Mentone Educational, you are buying a high-quality product that can be used at every level and in every field of medicine. These are suitable for students, physicians and individuals with clinical indications for regular blood pressure monitoring. Mentone Educational offers a competitive pricing, ensuring every individual can access a reliable and accurate sphygmomanometer.

What Are Aneroid Sphygmomanometers?

Aneroid sphygmomanometers include an aneroid (dial). Contrary to digital versions, aneroid sphygmomanometers must be used in conjunction with a stethoscope. The cuff of aneroid sphygmomanometers must often be inflated manually. Therefore, these aneroid sphygmomanometers are more commonly used by experienced medical professionals.

What Are Digital Sphygmomanometers?

Digital sphygmomanometers use electronic inflation of the cuff to measure systolic and diastolic blood pressure. They are extremely user-friendly as they can be operated without any formal training and can be used in any environment, as they are not dependent on the user listening to heart sounds through a stethoscope.

Which Type is Most Suitable?

Our high-quality products are available to buy in a number of different types and at several different prices.

Manual sphygmomanometers are generally considered to be the gold standard for diagnosis due to their high level of accuracy, and hence are used by many trained professionals. These include doctors such as general practitioners or specialist doctors and trained allied health professionals. A reliable, entry-level manual sphygmomanometer can be purchased for an affordable price. Of course, we also have more advanced versions that cost a little more.

Digital sphygmomanometers have quickly become the most commonly used device because they are simple to operate, user-friendly and convenient. It is the most straightforward device to obtain blood pressure readings and blood pressure measurements; this makes them ideal for all individuals, from those who require at-home self-monitoring due to a clinical condition, to medical professionals requiring accurate blood pressure readings across multiple clinical environments, including challenging emergency situations.

When Do You Use a Sphygmomanometer?

The sphygmomanometer can be used to take blood pressure readings in a variety of situations. It can be used by physicians to check your overall health; this since blood pressure measurements can indicate underlying problems if deemed abnormal. Of course, blood pressure measurements can also be taken to monitor a patient’s long-term health problem.

Some patients take blood pressure measurements daily at home; this is mainly the case for patients who frequently suffer from high blood pressure, an underlying heart condition, or another medical problem. Therefore, taking blood pressure measurements is not limited to medical environments.

How Do You Check Your Blood Pressure Using a Sphygmomanometer?

The way in which you take your blood pressure is subject to the type of blood pressure monitor you have obtained. However, aneroid sphygmomanometers are usually only used by experienced medical professionals. If you are an experienced medical professional, you undoubtedly already know how to take the measurements with an aneroid blood pressure monitor. Therefore, we shall limit our explanation to taking blood pressure with a digital blood pressure monitor.

Wrap the cuff around the upper arm and place the arm in front of you. Make sure your arm is in the correct position to acquire an accurate reading. Then, the digital blood pressure meter will automatically inflate and deflate the cuff to obtain the correct systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

How to Set Up a Sphygmomanometer?

Digital sphygmomanometers require little in terms of preparation, so for the purpose of this article, we will focus on how to set up an aneroid sphygmomanometer.

To set up an aneroid sphygmomanometer, you usually must calibrate the gauge; this often requires a special tool that can be acquired from the supplier. To determine if your device needs calibration, check the dial. If the dial is falling below the zero mark, your device requires calibration.

When you need to calibrate your sphygmomanometer, use the accompanying spanner at the base of the device before you connect the tube. Move the spanner gently to ensure the dial stands on the zero. When the dial stands on zero, remove the spanner and connect to tube.

Which Brands of Sphygmomanometer Does Mentone Educational Stock?

Mentone Educational stocks the following leading sphygmomanometer brands:

Omron

Since 1993, Omron has been providing exceptional quality healthcare products to people around the world. Recognised as a global leader in the design and production of sensor and ultrasonic systems and technology, the company has cemented its reputation as a key international supplier and distributor of medicine, healthcare and wellness products. Omron was the first to introduce manual and digital blood pressure monitors into the home healthcare market and their products are preferred by both private consumers and medical professionals around the world for their ease-of-use, quick and accurate readings and their simple, one-touch operation.

American Diagnostic Corporation (ADC)

American Diagnostic Corporation (ADC) is one of the world’s premier manufacturers of diagnostic medical products, personal instruments and accessories for the healthcare industry. For more than 30 years, they have been dedicated to designing, manufacturing and supplying blood pressure instruments that provide an unmatched value proposition with a purchase experience that is second to none.

Why Should I Choose Mentone Educational for My Sphygmomanometer Needs?

Mentone Educational has made a name for itself by providing only the highest quality of physiology equipment and educational resources to schools, hospitals, practices and universities across Australia. Owned and operated by experts, we pride ourselves on delivering friendly, knowledgeable customer service, ensuring that our clients have the advice needed to make the most informed choice.

For information on any of our products, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Customers can contact us by email, telephone, or even the live chat function on the website!