What is the difference between BPM-100 and BPM-200?
BPM-100 and BPM-200 share the same blood pressure monitoring technology. While BPM-100 can be mounted only on the wall, BPM-200 can be mounted either on a wall, or on a pole. Additionally, BPM-200 has a USB port that allows connection with a PC so the blood pressure data can be transferred to a PC-based analytical software. Finally, BPM-200 has a rechargeable lead-acid battery, allowing a chord-free operation between charges.
How accurate are BpTRU monitors?
BpTRU monitors meet or exceed both the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrument (AAMI) and British Hypertension Society's (BHS) most stringent "A/A" rating. The BpTRU is calibrated to agree with the current accepted standard of the fifth Korotkoff sound.. This provides an accurate, reliable and reproducible reading.
Why are there slight variations in readings for the same patient?
In many patients blood pressure varies minute-to-minute with the anxiety of the doctor's office, change of surrounding, talking, etc.
How does the BpTRU help reduce the White Coat effect?
Multiple readings and the automatic elimination of the first reading from the calculation greatly reduce the risk of "white-coat" effect. Situational or white-coat hypertension, affecting up to 20% of men and 54% of women, affects the accurate diagnosis of hypertension leading to both false positive readings and over prescription of anti-hypertensives; and undermines the physicians' confidence in the readings.
What are my choices for cycle times?
You may choose 1,2,3,4 or 5 minute intervals in automatic mode. However studies show that the one minute cycle typically provides sufficient time between measurement cycles to alleviate excessive patient discomfort. The longer intervals are available for use where patients would be more comfortable with a longer time between measurement cycles, particularly those patients with high blood pressure. Note that proper fitting of the cuff is very important in minimizing patient discomfort. Please see the Blood Pressure Measurement section of the manual for information on cuff fitting.
Do I have the flexibility to take fewer than 6 readings?
Yes. The BpTRU allows you to customize your BP measurements and take as many as 6 or as few readings as you desire in automatic mode. We recommend you take at least 3 readings to get a more accurate average.
Can I review previous readings?
Yes, you can look at previous readings by pressing the STOP button and then by using the REVIEW button. In automatic mode, you can review up to 5 readings. The 1st reading is discarded to reduce the “white coat” effect. In manual mode you can review up to 99 readings until the unit is turned on.
There is a ('-') (or -1, -2, -3, -4) in the Cycle display. After a reading is taken, there is a '---' in the Systolic, Diastolic, and Pulse' displays.
The unit has been put into ‘Hide Mode’. This is a feature that allows the operator to hide readings from the patient. To remove this and go back to the normal setting:
- Turn off the BpTRU using the power switch
- Hold down the ‘Cycle’ button while turning the BpTRU on
See page 79 in the Operators Manual for further information about Hide Mode.
How high does the BpTRU inflate?
The BpTRU automatically inflates to 35mmHg above the systolic and our proprietary precision valve provides smooth linear deflation at a controlled rate, increasing accuracy and comfort. The device incorporates many safety features and self-diagnostic programs to protect the patient and eliminates faulty user technique due to improper inflation and deflation of the cuff.
Is the BpTRU sensitive to patient movement?
Yes. The patient's arm must remain still during cuff inflation and deflation. As a safeguard, the instrument will detect movement and automatically discard that reading. An error code will be displayed in the REVIEW cycle and the reading will be excluded in the averaging.
Why are BpTRU readings lower than readings from a manual sphygmomanometer?
Up to 40% of patients experience an increase in blood pressure while at the physician’s office. The BpTRU is designed to eliminate or reduce this ‘white coat effect’ by discarding the first reading and averaging the remaining five. The BpTRU also helps eliminate other influencing factors such as, digit preference, background noise and distractions. Please see Use of automated BP measurement to reduce white coat response (CCC 2007) for advice on obtaining accurate BP measurements.
Why do I get error messages during some patient readings?
Check the Operators Manual to see what the error code means. Make sure that everything is connected tightly and that the patient is sitting in the correct position and remains still during the measurement. See diagram for correct position. Contact your distributor if you are unable to resolve the problem.
Can I pause the device?
Yes, by pressing STOP while in automatic mode. By simply pressing START, you can continue with your current set of measurements.
Can the BpTRU be used on children?
The BpTRU can be used on any patient 3 years of age or older.
Can I use the BpTRU on a treadmill?
No, the BpTRU is intended for use on stationary patients.
What should I do if the BpTRU produces a measurement that is perceived to be inaccurate?
Ensure that proper BP protocol is being followed:
- While taking the measurement:
- Patient is in a seated, still position with arm supported and back upright.
- Allow patient to relax prior to the 1st measurement.
- Cuff is positioned at heart level.
- Use automatic mode to take multiple measurements and average.
- Ensure proper BpTRU cuff and cuff size is used.
- Ensure the BpTRU is being used within its intended use. Please refer to the Operators Manual for further information.
- It is recommended that any perceived inaccuracies be double-checked with auscultation.
- A ‘T-connector’ reference check is available to test pressure measurement accuracy or to allow simultaneous auscultation with BpTRU measurement.
Where can I order supplies and replacement parts for BpTRU monitors?
To order supplies, parts or accessories, or to recalibrate your BpTRU monitor, please contact our sales department at sales@ancillare.com, phone: 215-699-1700.
What size cuffs are available?
There are five cuff sizes available for use with the BpTRU. Each BpTRU comes with a small, regular and large cuff. Child and extra-large cuffs are also available. Contact your distributor if you need to order a different size cuff.
How do I know which cuff to use?
It is important to use the correct size for the patient. There are markers on the cuffs that indicate the size range. Please see the manual for further information about selecting an appropriate cuff.
Can I use a cuff from another device manufacturer?
Cuffs from other manufacturers have not been validated for use with the BpTRU and may give inaccurate readings.
Is there a thigh cuff available?
No there is no thigh cuff available. An extra large cuff (41-52 cm) can be ordered separately. It is not advised to use a thigh cuff from another manufacturer as these have not been validated for accuracy with the BpTRU.
The unit came without the part to connect the coiled tubing to the device?
There is no additional part required to connect the coiled tubing the tubing is designed to fit snuggly directly over the fitting on the BpTRU unit. See diagram p44. All connectors and tubing should be checked regularly to insure that they are connected securely and that there is no splitting or wear, as this may affect measurements.
Do you have a roll stand for the BpTRU?
BpTRU models BPM-200 may be used on a roll stand. The BPM-100 model is not designed for roll stand use. Please contact your distributor to order a BpTRU roll stand.
Is there any latex in the cuff or the tubing?
No, the BpTRU is completely latex free.
How often do I need to calibrate the BpTRU monitors?
Since the BpTRU self-calibrates with every cycle, you do not need to calibrate. Where regulations require periodic calibration checks, the BpTRU can be easily tested against a calibrated reference pressure gauge.
How should I clean the BpTRU monitors?
The BPM-100, BPM-200 and accessories may be disinfected as required (for example, bodily fluids that come in contact the device) by wiping with a cloth dampened with a diluted non-staining disinfectant solution such as bacteriostatic detergent. Allow sufficient time to air dry.
Do you have training available?
Ancillare provides training in the operation and maintenance of BpTRU monitors. If you are a customer, please contact our sales department to schedule a training session.
Do the BpTRU monitors have any mercury?
No. None of the BpTRU monitors have mercury.
Will BpTRU blood pressure devices interfere with other electronic devices?
No. The BpTRU monitors have been tested for and passed FCC-required electromagnetic radiation standards.
How do I get warranty service?
Please contact our sales department to obtain service within the warranty period:
E-mail: sales@ancillare.com
Phone: 215-699-1700
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