Validation of the Welch Allyn 'Vital Signs' oscillometric blood pressure monitor

This study has determined the accuracy of the Welch Allyn 'Vital Signs' blood pressure (BP) monitoring device in an adult population, according to the criteria of the British Hypertension Society (British Hypertension Society, 1993). Validation was also classified by the American 'Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation' (AAMI). The Welch Allyn 'Vital Signs' monitor achieved a BHS grade A for both systolic and diastolic BP. It also met the criteria for the AAMI protocol. The mean differences between trained observers using a mercury sphygmomanometer and the device were -1 +/- 5 mm Hg for systolic BP and -3 +/- 4 mm Hg for diastolic BP. The Welch Allyn 'Vital Signs' monitor can be recommended for clinical use in the adult population. This is one of the first oscillometric monitors designed for routine use in a hospital environment that has been found to provide an accurate assessment of BP by accepted validation procedures.