Key Points
- This study aims to assess the accuracy and variability of blood-pressure measurements by multiple observers.
- Statistical analysis was performed on 16,320 blood-pressure measurements collected from 130 subjects by three observers.
- Measurements were taken after ensuring rest and postural equilibrium to eliminate temporal and arm differences.
- The study analyzed the effect of averaging multiple readings on measurement precision.
- The probable error of a single systolic measurement is 1.2–1.8 mm, and for diastolic, it is 1.8–2.0 mm.
- Variability in blood-pressure determination differed significantly among observers.
- Averaging more than 5 observations does not significantly enhance precision.
Structured PICO
PPopulation130 subjects undergoing 16,320 blood-pressure measurements by three observers
IInterventionBlood pressure measurement
OOutcomeProbable error of blood-pressure measurements
Averaging up to 5 resting blood pressure measurements improves precision, with a single measurement having a probable error of 1.2-2.0 mm Hg.