High blood pressure is referred to as a ‘silent killer’ by physicians due to the huge number of deaths associated with it on an annual basis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the year 2021 alone, nearly 691,095 Americans died owing to this menace of hypertension. Many of these deaths could be prevented with the implementation of proper BP control parameters along with regular measurements using products like Welch Allyn blood pressure monitor.
Considering its importance, the following article addresses some of the frequently asked questions about the Welch Allyn blood pressure monitor with an aim to facilitate the users.
1. How Accurate is a Welch Allyn Blood Pressure Monitor?
The Welch Allyn blood pressure monitors are clinically validated which means all the tests performed on these devices have confirmed their accuracy. It is claimed that a Welch Allyn device gives a 97% accurate reading even if the patient is not completely still.
2. How quickly can Welch Allyn Monitors Take BP Readings?
The Welch Allyn devices are based on a SureBP technology which is an advanced blood pressure measurement method. It enables the device to check the blood pressure during the inflation cycle i.e. during the time when the cuff is pumping up. This way, a quicker estimation of the blood pressure value becomes possible. Usually, a reading can be obtained within 20 seconds.
3. Why is my Welch Allyn System not Giving Accurate Readings?
If your Welch Allyn blood pressure monitor is not giving an accurate value, the reason might be one of the following:
● Poor cuff position
● Cuffs are either too tight or too loose
● Measurements are being taken rapidly
● Taking the values when the user needs to urinate
● The patient is moving or talking
● The environmental temperature is too cold for the patient
● Taking the measurements within 20 minutes of taking a bath
● Taking a measurement within 1 hour of eating or drinking
● Taking a measurement immediately after smoking or having a caffeinated drink
4. Which Measures Should Be Taken to Get Accurate Readings?
For getting the blood pressure readings with accuracy, the following factors should be considered:
● Make sure the cuff is positioned properly on the upper arm.
● Cuffs should be tight enough to sense the changes in the blood flow.
● Cuffs should be applied on a bare arm rather than over the clothes.
● Ask the patient to maintain a proper posture which includes:
● Upper arm at the level of heart
● Straight back
● Uncrossed feet
● Uncrossed legs
● Feet flat on the floor
● Arms resting on a flat surface
● The patient should be asked to sit calmly for a few minutes before taking the readings.
● Unnecessary movement or talking while taking the readings should be avoided.
● Between every measurement, a 3-minute gap should be made mandatory.
5. How to Choose the Right Cuff Size?
For the selection of the right cuff size, mid-arm circumference should be measured. Based on that, the following table should be followed for choosing the suitable cuff size:
| Mid-cuff circumference | Suitable cuff size |
| Less than or equal to 26 cm | Small |
| Between 26 cm to 34 cm | Medium |
| Between 34 cm to 44 cm | Large |
| More than 44 cm | Extra-large |
These size measurements are based on the cuffs available in the US market. For any other place, check your local standards.
6. What If the Cuff of My Welch Allyn Device Does Not Inflate?
Some people complain that the cuff of their Welch Allyn blood pressure measuring device does not inflate no matter how hard they try. The problem lies with the air valve of the cuff which can get jammed. This can happen due to two reasons i.e. either dust has trapped within the valve which has clogged it or the slit stopper, an essential component of the valve system, has jammed due to lack of use.
In the first case, thoroughly cleaning the valve is recommended while in the second case, check if the air valve is secured properly with the bulb and valve assembly.
Following this, apply pressure on the bulb with both hands while keeping the valve closed. As a result, air will be forced into the valve causing the slit stopper to open.
7. Do Welch Allyn BP Monitors Come with a Case?
No. A Welch Allyn blood pressure monitor does not come with an outer case. Although, it can be purchased separately. Due to this, some people might consider that the overall cost of the Welch Allyn monitors exceeds those of the others that come with an outer case. However, with its excellent performance and accuracy, these monitors truly justify their cost.
8. What is the Warranty Period of Welch Allyn Monitors?
A Welch Allyn blood pressure monitor comes with a two-year warranty period during which their optimum services are guaranteed. Once this 2-year duration has passed, the device still keeps on serving but a replacement is advised.
A time-to-time calibration of the system is also recommended during as well as after the warranty period. For this purpose, the readings taken by a Welch Allyn blood pressure monitor are compared with those taken by a trained professional using a cuff and a stethoscope auscultation method.
9. Who Should Not Use Welch Allyn BP Monitoring System?
A Welch Allyn blood pressure monitor is contraindicated in patients who are connected to implantable electronic devices including pacemakers or defibrillators. In addition, these monitors are also not suitable for people who are on wearable instruments for the estimation of heartbeat.
If a patient gets hypertensive values after checking blood pressure using a Welch Allyn blood pressure monitor, it is advised to immediately seek medical help. In addition to these, the Welch Allyn devices are not intended to be used in the following:
● Neonatal patients as well as children due to the high risk of possible injuries
● Pregnant women
● Patients with preeclampsia i.e. high blood pressure during pregnancy
● Patients with premature peripheral arterial disease
● People suffering from atrial fibrillation or peripheral arterial disease
● Patients undergoing intravascular therapy
● People with arteriovenous shunt
Patients with a recent history of mastectomy
10. How to Store a Welch Allyn Blood Pressure Monitor?
In order to keep the performance of your Welch Allyn blood pressure monitor up to the mark, its proper storage is as important as its proper use. Therefore, the following steps should be followed for proper maintenance of the system:
● Welch Allyn systems should be stored in a dry place away from sunlight.
● The device should be prevented from shaking or getting dropped from a height.
● Avoid storing or using the device in a dusty environment.
● Environmental temperature should be stable where the device is to be used.
11. How a Welch Allyn Blood Pressure Monitor is Cleaned?
For proper maintenance, a Welch Allyn blood pressure monitor need to be cleaned from time to time. For this purpose, the use of 70% isopropyl alcohol is recommended. A soft cloth should be damped with the isopropyl alcohol which is then to be used to thoroughly clean the device components particularly the cuff.
Welch Allyn Blood Pressure Monitors: Products, Features, and Specifications
Welch Allyn is undeniably one of the finest manufacturers of medical equipment all over the globe. One of their specialties is the construction of blood pressure measuring devices under the umbrella of which a wide range of products are marketed. Some of these include digital while others are manually operated devices. Let us take a look at some of these products along with their characteristic features:
● Welch Allyn Connex ProBP 2400 Digital Blood Pressure Device
Welch Allyn Connex ProBP 2400 digital blood pressure device is one of the finest portable products in the US market when it comes to blood pressure measurement. With its 2400 mAh battery, the device can be used for extended periods of time once it is fully charged. This feature also renders the product ideal for healthcare settings where the utility of blood pressure measuring devices is extensive.
Moreover, the charging system is fast and quick due to the NiMH battery technology affixed in the system. Welch Allyn Connex system can store up to 99 readings which enables the user to track the blood pressure values over time. In addition, the product is lightweight, easy to use owing to its one-button operation, and comfortable for the patient.
● Welch Allyn 767 Series Wall Aneroid Blood Pressure Monitors 7670-01
The Welch Allyn 767 series wall aneroid system is a product that guarantees long-lasting performance even with high usage frequency. The product has a double brass construction which renders it strong enough to withstand pressure during day-to-day utilization.
The readings are precise and the interpretation of the results is easy for everyone. Its wall mounting feature saves so much space in healthcare settings as well as at home. The device is also portable and comes with different cuff sizes to cater to different patients. These cuffs include adult cuffs, large adult cuffs, as well as thigh cuffs. Overall, the product is reliable, durable, and accurate.
● Welch Allyn Mobile Aneroid With Reusable 2-Tube Adult Cuff 7670-03
Welch Allyn mobile aneroid with reusable 2-tube adult cuff is a product that allows rapid blood pressure measurement along with quick interpretation of results. Its operation is smooth and the device is capable of serving for longer due to its durability.
Being latex-free, its cuffs are safe to be used in patients with allergies. These cuffs are also easy to inflate and deflate. To improve its stability, its sturdy five-leg design comes in handy. Moreover, the product is also portable and highly convenient to carry while traveling.
● Welch Allyn DS58 Platinum Series Hand Aneroid Set DS58-11
Welch Allyn DS58 platinum series hand aneroid set includes a sphygmomanometer with a blood pressure cuff. The components are packed within a strong case which prevents them from getting damaged. The product comes in black and has a dual display. It has one tube with a circumference of 23 to 40 cm. Its cuff size is suitable for adults and can be reused for years. The dial is also laser-engraved. Its lighter weight makes it portable and the inflation system is based on the ergonomic system. In a nutshell, the product is of high quality and comfortable for the patients.
The Welch Allyn blood pressure monitors mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of blood pressure monitors on the website.
Conclusion
Measuring the blood pressure from time to time is recommended by the physicians especially if a patient suffers from hypertension or heart disease. In this regard, multiple blood pressure monitoring devices are available in the US market. Among these, a reputed product is the Welch Allyn blood pressure monitor which are known for their accuracy and reliability.
However, before purchasing a blood pressure monitor, it is good to get some basic knowledge regarding its use, storage, possible manual errors, etc. The present article covers all of this with the aim of assisting the patients and guiding them to get accurate readings.
To shop for a blood pressure monitor, its accessories, or any other medical device, vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached who not only ensure the provision of quality products but also guarantee satisfactory services.
Click to Order from Health Supply 770
References
https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
