Comparative Analysis and Accuracy of a Devised Automated Non Invasive Blood Pressure Monitor Based on Oscillometric Method

Objectives: This paper focuses on the evaluation of accuracy and reliability of previously designed oscillometric based Non Invasive Blood Pressure (NIBP) instrument by means of a comparative analysis with the standard cuff mercury sphygmomanometer based on auscultation. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Thirty healthy subjects between the ages of 18-23 were examined by successive application of both devices having identical cuffs and site of measurement. The analysis of means and bias values demonstrated that our designed oscillometric NIBP monitor under-read all blood pressure values compared to mercury manometer. Findings: The mean oscillometric NIBP readings (Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) 119.65 ± 8.25, Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) 76.82 ± 6.12 and Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) 91.1 ± 4.76) were significantly lower than its auscultatory counterpart (SBP 127.03 ± 8.7, DBP 81.4 ± 6.2 and MAP 96.6 ± 4.95). F-test showed that the devised prototype is precise and comparable to a reference mercury manometer. A p-value of <0.05 was recognized to be statistically considerable. Conclusively, the designed NIBP monitoring prototype exhibited a tendency to measure lower blood pressure values than the auscultatory sphygmomanometer; but both devices were well comparable. The difference found, was statistically significant but below the level of physiological significance. Application/Improvements: This oscillometric NIBP prototype may be used for training as well as learning objectives. Furthermore, this prototype can be improved by Arduino based microcontroller and kit in the future studies.