The measurement accuracy of the medical device cuff pressure gauge is directly related to the reliability of clinical diagnosis, which is affected by a variety of factors. From the performance parameters of the equipment itself, to the operating specifications during use, to the individual differences of patients, each link may interfere with the measurement results and needs to be analyzed comprehensively and carefully.
The performance and quality of the pressure gauge itself are the basic factors affecting the measurement accuracy. If there are manufacturing defects or aging problems in the mechanical structure or electronic components inside the cuff pressure gauge, it will directly lead to inaccurate measurements. If the spring tube, connecting rod and other components of the mechanical gauge are not accurate enough during the production process, or fatigue deformation occurs after long-term use, it will affect the accuracy of pressure transmission; if the performance of the sensor of the electronic gauge is unstable, the conversion and processing of the pressure signal will deviate, which will also cause errors in the measurement data. In addition, whether the dial scale of the pressure gauge is accurate, the sensitivity and stability of the pointer, etc., will affect the accuracy of the final reading.
The choice and wearing method of the cuff have a significant impact on the measurement results. If the size of the cuff does not match the circumference of the patient's limbs, it will lead to uneven pressure transmission. If the cuff is too narrow, a higher pressure is required to block the blood flow, which will cause the measured value to be too high; if the cuff is too wide, the pressure distribution area is large, and the measured value may be too low. When wearing the cuff, its tightness is also crucial. If the cuff is worn too loose, there will be a large gap between the cuff and the limb, and the pressure cannot be effectively transmitted, so the measured value will be too high; if it is worn too tight, the blood vessels will be pre-compressed, making the measured value too low. At the same time, the position of the cuff must be accurate and should be kept at the same level as the heart, otherwise the hydrostatic pressure of the blood in the blood vessels will change due to gravity, resulting in measurement errors.
Whether the operation is standardized during measurement directly determines the reliability of the data. Speed control is particularly critical during inflation and deflation. If the inflation speed is too fast, the patient will feel uncomfortable and may cause the blood pressure value to be overestimated; if the deflation speed is too fast, the moment when Korotkoff sounds appear and disappear cannot be accurately captured, resulting in inaccurate systolic and diastolic pressure readings. In addition, the auditory sensitivity of the measurer during auscultation, the difference in experience in judging Korotkoff sounds, and the position and pressure of the stethoscope will affect the accurate judgment of the blood pressure value. If the interval between repeated measurements is too short, the blood vessels will not return to their initial state, which will also cause deviations in subsequent measurement results.
The patient's own physiological state and behavioral factors should not be ignored. Before the measurement, if the patient has engaged in strenuous exercise, emotional excitement, or drinks containing caffeine or alcohol, the blood pressure will rise in a short period of time, resulting in a higher measured value than the actual level. During the measurement process, whether the patient's posture is correct and whether he remains quiet and relaxed will also affect the results. For example, if the patient talks, moves his limbs, or is in a state of tension and anxiety during the measurement, it will cause blood pressure fluctuations; there will also be differences in the results of standing measurement and sitting or lying measurement. If the measurement is not carried out in the standard posture, it is easy to cause errors.
Environmental factors also have a certain impact on the measurement accuracy of the cuff pressure gauge. If the temperature of the measurement environment is too low, the patient's blood vessels will contract, resulting in increased blood pressure; while if the temperature is too high, the blood vessels may dilate and the blood pressure will decrease. Excessive noise in the environment will interfere with the auscultation of Korotkoff sounds by the measurer and affect the accuracy of the judgment. In addition, if the measuring equipment is subjected to external vibration or electromagnetic interference, for the electronic cuff pressure gauge, it may affect the normal operation of its internal electronic components and cause abnormal measurement data.
The maintenance and calibration of the equipment are directly related to the long-term accuracy of the measurement. If the cuff pressure gauge is used for a long time without regular calibration, the wear and aging of its internal components will gradually accumulate, resulting in increasing measurement errors. If the cuff is not properly maintained, leaks, or is damaged, the pressure cannot be effectively transmitted, which seriously affects the measurement results. If the connecting pipe of the pressure gauge is blocked or bent, it will also change the path and size of pressure transmission, causing inaccurate measurement.
Human factors in the measurement process, such as the measurer's operating habits, experience level, and sense of responsibility, will also affect the accuracy of the measurement. Inexperienced measurers may not be able to accurately judge the characteristics of Korotkoff sounds, and thus read the blood pressure value incorrectly; negligence during operation, such as failure to check whether the connection between the cuff and the pressure gauge is tight and failure to exhaust the air in the path, will introduce additional errors. If the measurer lacks a sense of responsibility and does not strictly follow the standard process, it will directly lead to unreliable measurement results.
Factors that affect the accuracy of cuff pressure gauge measurement of medical devices involve equipment, operation, patients, environment and other aspects. Only by fully understanding and paying attention to these key factors, taking measures from multiple dimensions such as equipment quality control, standardizing operation procedures, paying attention to patient status, optimizing measurement environment and strengthening equipment maintenance, can we ensure the accuracy of cuff pressure gauge measurement results and provide a reliable basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
