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Blood Pressure Sensor User Manual

Order Code: BPS-BTA

The Vernier Blood Pressure Sensor is used to measure systemic arterial blood pressure in humans (non-invasively). When used with the appropriate software, it can measure mean arterial blood pressure and calculate both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure using the oscillometric method.

Note: Vernier products are designed for educational use. Our products are not designed nor are they recommended for any industrial, medical, or commercial process such as life support, patient diagnosis, control of a manufacturing process, or industrial testing of any kind.

What's Included

  • Blood Pressure Sensor
  • Standard adult size adjustable cuff (27 cm to 39 cm)
  • Bulb pump (with release valve)

Compatible Software and Interfaces

Choose a platform below to see its compatibility requirements.

LabQuest
InterfaceLabQuest App
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support
Computers
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisLogger ProLogger Lite
LabQuest MiniFull supportFull supportFull support
LabQuest 3Full supportFull supportIncompatible
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full supportFull supportFull support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support 1Full supportFull support 1
Go!LinkFull supportFull supportFull support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full supportFull supportFull support
LabPro (discontinued)IncompatibleFull supportFull support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Connect LabQuest Stream via USB. Wireless connection is not supported.
Chromebook
Software
InterfaceGraphical Analysis
LabQuest MiniFull support
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support 1
Go!LinkFull support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Connect LabQuest Stream via USB. Wireless connection is not supported.
iOS
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full supportIncompatible
LabQuest 3Full support 1Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

  1. iOS and Android devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
Android
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full supportIncompatible
LabQuest 3Full support 1Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

  1. iOS and Android devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
Arduino
Software
InterfaceArduino
Vernier Arduino® Interface ShieldFull support 1

Compatibility Notes

  1. Requires advanced programming for data collection
LabVIEW
Software
InterfaceNI LabVIEW
SensorDAQ (discontinued)Full support 1
Vernier myDAQ AdapterFull support 1 2
Go!LinkFull support 1
LabQuest MiniFull support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Requires advanced programming for data collection
  2. You can only read the raw count/raw voltage output by this sensor. You must do the programming to convert to proper sensor units.

Getting Started

  1. Connect the sensor to the interface (LabQuest Mini, LabQuest 2, etc.).
  2. Start the appropriate data-collection software (Logger Pro, Logger Lite, LabQuest App) if not already running, and choose New from File menu.

The software will identify the sensor and load a default data-collection setup. You are now ready to collect data.

If you are collecting data using a Chromebook™, mobile device such as iPad® or Android™ tablet, or a Vernier wireless sensor or interface, please see the following link for up-to-date connection information:

www.vernier.com/start/bps-bta

Using the Product

Connect the sensor following the steps in the Getting Started section of this user manual.

When performing blood pressure measurements, it is best to work with a partner. Follow these general procedures when using the Blood Pressure Sensor:

  1. Connect the Blood Pressure Sensor to the interface. Attach the rubber hose from the cuff to the connector on the sensor.
  2. Wrap the cuff firmly around your partner’s arm, approximately 2 cm above the elbow. The two rubber hoses from the cuff should be positioned over the bicep muscle (brachial artery) and not under the arm. Important: The person having his or her blood pressure measured must remain still during data collection—no movement of the arm or hand during measurements.
  3. Begin data collection.
  4. Quickly and repeatedly squeeze the bulb to inflate the cuff on your partner’s arm. Continue inflating the cuff to a pressure between 150 and 170 mm Hg. A meter in the data-collection software will display the live pressure readings from the sensor. When the maximum pressure is reached, set the bulb pump down onto the table. The built-in pressure release valve will slowly deflate the cuff.
  5. After the pressure drops to 50 mm Hg, you may press down on the pressure release valve to release any air left in the cuff. If the pressure does not reach 50 mm Hg by the time data collection ends, adjust the exhaust rate of the pressure release valve according to the directions listed under “Adjusting the Pressure Release Valve.”

Videos

Specifications

Response time

1 ms

Pressure range

0 mm Hg to 258 mm Hg

Maximum pressure without permanent damage

1550 mm Hg

Typical accuracy

± 1 mm Hg

Combined linearity and hysteresis

typical ±0.25%

Temperature compensated

–20°C to 85°C

Default calibration values

  • slope: 64.64 (mm Hg/V)
  • intercept: –32.32 (mm Hg)

How the Sensor Works

The sensor produces an output voltage that varies with the pressure measured in the cuff. It includes special circuitry to minimize errors caused by changes in temperature. We also provide a filtering circuit that conditions the signal from the pressure transducer. The output voltage from the Blood Pressure Sensor is linear with respect to pressure. The software used with the sensor calculates the blood pressure parameters.

Calculating Blood Pressure (Oscillometric Method)

The software used with the sensor determines the blood pressure of the subject by using the oscillometric method, a non-invasive means of measuring blood pressure. It is based on the principle that blood pumped through the arteries by the heart causes the arterial walls to flex. When a cuff (placed around the upper arm to occlude the brachial artery) is inflated and then slowly deflated at a constant rate, an arterial pressure pulse forms. These pressure pulses pass from the arteries, through the arm, and into the pressure cuff itself.

When the artery is fully compressed, blood flow stops along with the pulsations. As the pressure in the cuff is slowly decreased, the arterial blood pressure increases to the point that blood is forced through the artery in short pulses. As the pressure in the cuff continues to decrease, more blood flows through the occluded artery and the pulses become increasingly significant until maximum amplitude is reached. Further decrease of the cuff pressure minimizes the occlusion of the artery and the pulses continue to decrease until the occlusion is removed.

Cuff pressure measured by sensor

These pressure pulses, when separated from the decaying mean pressure of the cuff, form an oscillating waveform. The peak-to-peak amplitudes of this waveform create a bell shaped “envelope”. Within the envelope, the amplitudes of the waveform increase through the systolic blood pressure and continue increasing until the mean arterial pressure (MAP) is reached. Physiologically, the cuff pressure corresponding to the maximum amplitude approximates the mean arterial pressure. Generally, the systolic blood pressure is calculated by determining the point along the envelope prior to the MAP using a known percentage of the maximum amplitude. Diastolic blood pressure is calculated using the same method and the portion of the envelope following the MAP.

Oscillatory waveform used to create “envelope”

Troubleshooting

Note that the Blood Pressure Sensor will not report blood pressure parameters until data collection has ended. Also note that you need to let the data-collection software finish collecting data to get accurate blood pressure readings. Do not stop data collection prematurely, allow the software to complete data collection.

Blood pressure readings will differ from person to person and even between measurements on the same individual. Do not expect to receive the same measurements on each trial since there are many factors that cause a person’s blood pressure to increase or decrease. Use the following tips to take accurate measurements.

Helpful Tips

  • The subject’s arm and hand must remain still during measurements.
  • Proper placement of the pressure cuff will increase the accuracy of your blood pressure measurements. The rubber hoses from the cuff should exit over the brachial artery and 2 cm above the crease in the elbow.
  • Accurate blood pressure readings depend on the use of a cuff of appropriate size for the arm. For younger students, a smaller cuff is available (18 cm to 27 cm). Our small blood pressure cuff can be ordered separately (order code CUFF-SM). A large cuff is also available for students with arm circumferences greater than 39 cm (order code CUFF-LG).
  • Do not to touch or move the exhaust valve during measurements.
  • Remove any clothing that may cover or constrict the portion of the arm being measured.
  • For most individuals it is not necessary to inflate the pressure cuff higher than 170 mm Hg. Over inflation of the cuff may cause pain and/or injury.
  • If the pressure release valve is exhausting slower or faster than 2.0 to 4.0 mm Hg/s, then adjust the exhaust rate of the pressure valve.

For more information see www.vernier.com/til/1426

Adjusting the Pressure Release Valve

The pressure release valve is set to release at a rate of 3.0 mm Hg/s on an arm that is 32 cm in circumference. For arms much larger or much smaller it may be necessary to adjust the valve so that the exhaust rate stays in the range of 2.0 to 4.0 mm Hg/s. With the bulb in hand and the hose leading away from you, place a screwdriver into the metal slot on the top of the release valve. To increase the rate of exhaust, turn the screwdriver clockwise. To decrease the rate of exhaust, turn the screwdriver counter-clockwise. The larger a subject’s arm the slower the release valve will exhaust.

Using the BPS at High Altitudes (above 6,000 ft)

To record proper measurements at altitudes above 6,000 ft (0.8 atm or 609 mm Hg) the pressure release valve will need to be readjusted. The pressure release valve is set to release at a rate of 3.0 mm Hg/s at sea level, where atmospheric pressure is 1 atm or 760 mm Hg. At higher altitudes, the pressure release valve will exhaust at a slower rate. To use the Blood Pressure Sensor at altitudes above 6,000 ft, open the pressure exhaust valve by turning it a half turn clockwise. See the instructions above. Verify that the exhaust rate is now in the range of 2.0–4.0 mm Hg/s after making the adjustment.

Repair Information

If you have watched the related product video(s), followed the troubleshooting steps, and are still having trouble with your Blood Pressure Sensor, contact Vernier Technical Support at support@vernier.com or call 888-837-6437. Support specialists will work with you to determine if the unit needs to be sent in for repair. At that time, a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number will be issued and instructions will be communicated on how to return the unit for repair.

Accessories/Replacements

Warranty

Vernier warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of five years from the date of shipment to the customer. This warranty does not cover damage to the product caused by abuse or improper use. This warranty covers educational institutions only.

Contact Support

Fill out our online support form or call us toll-free at 1-888-837-6437.

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