Blood Pressure Monitor Troubleshooting and Instructions

Step 1.  Place the batteries and turn on the monitor

• Slide open the battery cover on the back of the device (as shown in the picture)
• Place the 2 batteries (AA size) provided into the monitor.
• Make sure the battery poles are in the correct direction.  If the batteries are correctly in the device, you will hear one beep, then another beep.
• Gently reinsert the battery cover.
• Turn the monitor over to see thedisplay screen.  The monitor will show “Spacelabs” logo followed by the time.
• Once you see the time displayed, the monitor is ready for use.
• Troubleshooting.  If the monitor does not turn on,then take the following steps:
• Check that the batteries are in the correct position by repeating the instructions above.
• If the batteries are in the correct position, then hold down any button on the monitor for 3 seconds.  You will then hear a beep and the monitor display will turn on within 7 seconds.  The monitor will then perform an initial blood pressure reading.
• When the time displays on the screen, it is ready for use.

Step 2.  Wearing the monitor

• Secure the monitor using your belt or gray waist strap provided and place the monitor into either your pocket or the pouch provided. You may alternatively use the black shoulder strap with the pouch.
• You will wear the cuff on your non-dominant arm. Position the monitor to your hip opposite the arm on which the cuff will be worn.  For example, if you wear the cuff on your left arm, then strap the monitor to your right hip, or vice versa.

Step 3.  Applying the blood pressure cuff.

• Pull the cuff on your non-dominant arm. For example, place the cuff on your left upper arm if you are right-handed, or vice versa.
• Wrap the blood pressure cuff around the upper part of your arm. Please wear the cuff on your bare arm or over a very thin shirt, not over a sweater or other thick garment that might prevent the device from recording your blood pressure.The bottom part of the cuff should be about 1 inch above the crease of your elbow.
• The hose should be at the top of the cuff.
• Rotate the cuff so the mark showing the center of cuff is over the brachial artery.  The brachial artery is half-way between the center of your elbow crease and the inner aspect of your elbow when your palm is facing up (as shown in the picture).  Ensure that the word ART is next to your elbow crease, as shown in the picture.
• Once the cuff is in the proper position, tighten it with the Velcro strap to make sure it is snug at both the top (upper arm) and bottom (near elbow) edges.  The cuff should be lying flat and not kinked or twisted. Insert a finger between the cuff and the arm to make sure it is not too tight – the cuff will tighten when measuring blood pressure.
• If needed, adjust by using the steps above to gain correct position and snug fit.

Step 4.  Positioning the hose and connecting it to the monitor

• Lead the hose from the cuff up the arm and place it across your back.  Drape the hose so that it does not cause you any discomfort and it is not pinched shut.  The picture shows the most common position for the hose. The hose drapes from the cuff, over the same side shoulder, then down your back to the monitor on your opposite hip. A small clip is included in the kit to help secure the hose to your clothing if needed.
• Connect the hose to the monitor by pushing the connector onto the port on the monitor. You should hear a click and the hose will be firmly attached.

Step 5.  Initiate the monitor

• Press the action key (round button) on the monitor to initiate a test blood pressure measurement.

Step 6. Additional instructions and tips.

• Once the monitor is initiated
• Avoid taking the monitor off during the 24-hour recording period.
• Do not wear the monitor in the shower, bath, while swimming, or in any other environment where it might get wet.
• If you must remove the monitor, please put it on again as soon as possible.
• If the monitor fails to take a blood pressure reading, it will attempt to take it again shortly. It is ok if it attempts to take a reading while it is not being worn, but please put it back on again as soon as possible.
• Avoid pressing any buttons or using the screen controls. Pressing buttons will result in additional blood pressure measurements.
• Blood pressure measurements will be made as follows:
  • Between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM, every 30 minutes
  • Between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM, every 60 minutes
  • Measurements will be repeated if the monitor encounters an error.
• Prior to taking a measurement, the device will beep, allowing you to prepare.  During blood pressure measurements taken while you are awake, please
  • allow your arm to hang to your side while in a relaxed seated or standing position
  • try to remain still
  • try not to talk
• Do not expose the monitor or blood pressure cuff to water. Please remove the monitor and blood pressure cuff for showering. If you need to remove the monitor to shower or for any other reason please put it back on as soon as possible. If you are not wearing the cuff for a scheduled reading, the monitor will attempt to take another reading after a short time. It’s best practice to time your shower to avoid missing a reading if possible.

Step 7. Stop the monitor at the end of the 24-hour period.

Remove the batteries at the end of the 24 hour period. Discard the batteries. To disconnect the hose from the monitor, pull on the metal part of the hose.

During the study you will complete two 24-hour sessions of blood pressure monitoring. For the second session, use fresh batteries provided, and follow directions above.

At the end of your second session, place the monitor, cuff, carrying pouch, and belt or shoulder strap in the Biomonitor kit box. Return the entire biomonitor kit to the study team.