How to use a mechanical tonometer: instructions, recommendations and feedback

The use of an electronic apparatus for measuring blood pressure has now become universally accepted. But in a number of cases the question arises as to how to use a mechanical tonometer. It turns out that the use of a mechanical device is indicated for people with atherosclerosis of vessels and elderly people. In all cases, when blood vessels are insensitive to electronic devices, it is necessary to use a mechanical device.

How is the mechanical tonometer

In order to understand how to properly use a mechanical tonometer, you need to know how it is arranged, and what we measure with this instrument. Any mechanical tonometer for measuring blood pressure should consist of two parts:

• Actual mechanical tonometer;
• phonendoscope.

We must say at once that this device is designed to measure the pressure of two: the doctor and the patient. Invented by his Russian surgeon N. S. Korotkov in 1905, today it is an internationally recognized technique used universally.

It is based on the principle of sound (auscultatory) observation of the work of internal organs. We can measure blood pressure in arteries (rather than veins), by external observation (on the radial artery). When measuring pressure, the upper diastolic pressure is first measured (when the tone is highest) and then the lower (complete signal attenuation) is systolic. This allows you to get a very clear picture, which depends little on the movement of the hand or the presence of arrhythmia in the patient.

Among the shortcomings of this method are purely human factors:

• Mandatory presence of measurement experience;
• Good hearing and sight;
• The patient's absence of "auscultative failure" phenomena "of an infinite tone";
• The need for constant calibration calibration sphygmomanometer.

To measure BP with this simple device you can and yourself. Only it is necessary to observe a number of simple rules and follow the instructions. It is very good to learn how to use a mechanical tonometer, and you will be able to easily and accurately measure BP yourself.

So, consists of a mechanical tonometer from the cuff, which you need to put on your forearm, pears for inflating air and a manometer (see the indicators). All parts are interconnected by special tubes, through which air moves. A stethoscope is attached separately.

When inflated in the air cuff, we will hear the highest tone, and then the measured tapping, which will subside. The heard highest value will be a systolic index, and what we hear most weakly (when attenuated) is diastolic.

Now we will analyze step by step how to use a mechanical tonometer.

How to install a cuff

First you need to sit down so that the elbow, forearm and the wrist, on which the measurement will be carried out, would be freely located on some surface. For example, on the table top. It is very important to do this before using the tonometer mechanically yourself. Now fix the cuff above the elbow. We do not put it on tightly (without squeezing our hand), but not weakly.

On the cuff there is a special metal clip, behind which is a velcro closure. To install the cuff so that it is located parallel to the latch, it will not be possible. She always fastens a little obliquely. It's not scary.

It is very important that the cuff itself is located at the level of the patient's heart, this is 2-3 cm above the elbow. If the cuff is lower or higher, the result will be distorted.

How to install a stethoscope correctly

In order to conduct a measurement, you need to install a stethoscope on the radial artery, at the elbow bend under the cuff.

Pump air into the cuff can only be after the stethoscope is installed in the specified place.

For easy measurement, place the pressure gauge so that the arrow and the numbers on it are clearly visible. This will greatly facilitate the measurement. You may need an extra pillow or stand.

How to properly inflate the air

How to use a mechanical tonometer, the instructions to the device will also tell you. Look at her, she will become a good helper. After the cuff is fixed, it is necessary to pump air into it with the help of a special pear (in the instruction it is called a supercharger of air).

First, tighten the stopper on the pear (air vent valve) until it stops, and then inflate the air in the cuff with the other hand (not the one to measure it). At the same time on the manometer, the arrow should show a pressure higher than your usual somewhere around 40 units. For example, if the pressure is usually 120/80, then the arrow must reach 160 mm Hg. Then slowly release (unscrew) the air valve.

How to determine your own pressure

In order to understand one, how to use a mechanical tonometer, it should be remembered that Measuring your own pressure, you need to simultaneously let out air, follow the arrow of the manometer and listen to the tones. This requires a certain skill and the first time it can not work. However, short workouts will help to carry out the procedure quickly and receive the result of high accuracy.

So, first the arrow will move slowly, but there will be no sound. Then a strong tone appears, the strongest sound will indicate systolic pressure.

Gradually (speed depends on the speed of descent), rhythmic tones will fade, and the index of the arrow on the minimum distinct sound is the diastolic pressure. For example, if the sound appeared at 145 mm. Mercury column, and disappeared at 80, respectively, the pressure values will be 145/80.

You can conduct no more than 2 measurements in a row. If they are not exactly sure of the result, take a half-hour break and repeat.

You should not measure blood pressure after climbing the stairs or being overly anxious. And even more so to myself to make a diagnosis.

About reviews

Feedback from users suggests that the measurement of blood pressure with a mechanical tonometer is more accurate. Their error is not more than 7 mm Hg. from. This is a fairly high figure (electronic analogs can have an error of up to 40 mmHg)

Many people say that measuring skills are easy to obtain when performing frequent measurements. Another useful feature of the described device users call simplicity of management, which does not require skills to work with complex mechanisms (as when measuring with electronic devices).

Many reviews mark the personal mood of the patient - good service will be served by a lack of fear and excitement before the measurement.

In general, according to user descriptions, a mechanical tonometer is more simple and reliable. How to measure blood pressure, reviews explain in detail, and call the device quite comfortable in the work.