What level of accuracy can I expect with the BpTRU?
BpTRU accuracy compares with hospital grade blood pressure monitors. Readings are displayed to the nearest 1mmHg. The BpTRU, Model BPM-100 exceeds 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, or absence of sound. This provides an accurate, reliable and reproducible reading.

How does the BpTRU allow a physician to comply with the JNV-6 Guidelines?
The device automatically takes multiple readings at pre-set intervals, then calculates and displays the average. This eliminates the risk of "first reading inaccuracy."

How often does the BpTRU require calibration?
The BpTRU self calibrates. It goes through a self-diagnostic test when turned on and automatically re-calibrates on every reading. Where regulations require periodic calibration checks, the BpTRU can be easily calibrated against a calibrated reference dial gauge or sphygmomanometer.

I notice variations in BpTRU readings with some patients. Is this normal?
Yes. In many patients blood pressure varies minute-to-minute with the anxiety of the doctor's office, change of surrounding, talking, etc. Much has been written about situational or "white-coat" hypertension whereby readings are high until the patient becomes relaxed with the clinician and/or the blood pressure measurement procedure itself. Even then, an unexpected noise or statement by the doctor can, at that moment, change the patient's blood pressure. Our device is designed to operate with or without the operator present, and releases the physician to see other patients while the BP measurement is being taken.

How does the BpTRU assist in reducing the effect of situational or "white-coat" hypertension?
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

How many measurements can the device take, and how much time is needed for multiple measurements?
You have complete flexibility on the number and time between measurements. A button lets you select up to six readings with the interval between readings between 1 and 5 minutes. Readings are averaged, less the first reading, and can be reviewed at the conclusion of the test.

Must I take six measurements with every patient?
No. You can stop the instrument at any point. It will give you the average for the measurements that have been taken, less the first reading. It is for this reason that multiple readings are important and called for in good medical practice standards.

How high does the BpTRU inflate? How quickly does the device deflate?
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.

How is the BpTRU, Model BPM-100 mounted?
The BpTRU, model BPM-100 is wall mounted and easy to read with a clear LED screen, in the exam rooms where routine BP measurements are taken.

Our government has banned the use of Mercury, does the BpTRU use this hazardous material?
The BpTRU does not incorporate mercury. Environmental concerns about use, disposal and hazards of mercury are driving the conversion of clinics and hospitals away from mercury-based devices. The BpTRU is an accurate and safe alternative. See Mercury, for information on the negative impacts and areas banning its use.