EBME Forums Forums Maintenance Technical Assistance Low cost NIBP machines

Does anyone have a strategy for the tracking and maintenance of these devices such as the Omrons or Lloyds pharmacy? The PCT's seemed to buy these in large numbers of varying quality some not to a clinical standard. We have been trying to remove these but a lot can escape the net as NHS supply chain have them listed. Informing the users seems to have little impact.

My experience with the 'low cost' Omrons are that they are both extremely reliable and accurate. I am retired and can not remember the actual procedure but I do remember that you placed a one way valve in the circuit and pumped the unit up to release the safety valve and then reduced the pressure and checked it against a calibrated manometer. With the later models of Omrons you pumped them up to a certain pressure and then this would put them into calibration mode but I can not remember the details. Other than leaking cuffs and worn input valves these little units were excellent and gave as good an indication of blood pressure as the expensive hospital type monitors did. I would not expect so many Doctors and Nurses to be using them if they did not give satisfactory results. I did write a procedure for testing them based on the manufacturers recommendations but that was years ago. All the units in the PCTs were added to the asset register and checked and tested together with any electrical chargers on an annual basis.

Why, I wonder?

I doubt they are any less "accurate" than the (good old) mercury sphygs. And certainly less "time consuming" for both patients and staff (both of whom have limited time available).

Regarding the "strategy" ... why not just check them like you would everything else? And bin them if they "fail".

As an aside, how did you used to check the sphygs?

@Barney. Did you ever get the chance to try any of them on a Fluke / Rigel / SimCube / SmartArm - or whatever - tester?

Using kit like that, at least the test regime can claim to be consistent; and also show that these units are just as "good" (or bad) as any other non-invasive method of measuring blood pressure!

PS: I've just realised (found out) who you are, Barney. Although had I been a bit more "alert", I should have realised from your first (Sep-07) post! So I had better add:- Cheers, Mate!

Hello Geoff, I hope that you are keeping well.

Yes, I did also use a Rigel smartarm simulator type tester and the Omrons always gave accurate results. However I would also check throughout the range from 300mmHg downwards against the calibrated manometer and again they were accurate within +/- 2 mmHg, the only problems they gave were on the leak test the input connection could leak and of courses cuffs would also wear and leak. I had a contact at White Medical who provided me with their test procedures and spare o rings etc.. I think that White's used to charge around £30 for a calibration test which was about what the units cost when new! It's all coming back to me now I write this, with the later more expensive units you again fitted a one way valve then pumped a reservoir to a pressure of 300 mmHg and then discharged this into the machine, this would place them into a calibration mode.

Best wishes

Barney!!!

Interesting.

But were these tests carried out on site ... and how long did each test take?

And (if on site), may we assume that you looked at all the other kit as well?

Meanwhile, for what it may be worth, here are some documents (user manuals and so forth) about the type of equipment in question.

PS: hope you're finding plenty of time these days to stride across those well-known hills!

Yes the BP tests were carried out on-site, taking approximately 15 minutes each including documentation, together with all other medical equipment at the PCT Medical Centres. I had a very enjoyable last few years as I also serviced all the PCT Hospitals and dental equipment in the area; I was always happier out and about.

I get out walking as much as possible which is invigorating and relaxing but do spend some stressful time back with tractors again, eldest son has an agricultural contracting business. I hope that you are enjoying yourself Geoff.

Were'nt we all! That sounds like just the sort of contract I was always after (but never found - not in the UK, at least). In the Old Days (before the NHS become so over-managed) they would have retained someone like me or thee just to potter about that small sea-side hospital. When things are (were) done properly, there would have been enough work to keep a tech gainfully employed there three days a week, I reckon.

I'll send you a PM (about TVO, and stuff) when I have a bit of time (read as:- when I'm in the mood).

PS: I see that's you on the left; not sure about the other two though.