In vitro and in vivo evaluation of an oscillometric device for monitoring blood pressure in dialysis patients.

Background: Nowadays, an increasing number of dialysis machines lodge a blood pressure (BP) measuring device, whose accuracy has a clear implication for the patients' clinical management.

Methods: An automated oscillometric sphygmomanometer (HD-BPM by Gambro Dasco) used during haemodialysis was submitted to both in vitro and in vivo tests, in order to evaluate some modifications aimed at improving measurement accuracy and consistency. The results were compared with those obtained by another oscillometric monitor (BX-100 by Colin).