Non-invasive blood pressure measurement

Clinical support for blood pressure management and non-invasive blood pressure measurement

The scientific community has called for more training and education on blood pressure (BP) measurement as hemodynamic management continues to be linked to patient outcomes¹. Understanding measurement limitations and references, device configuration and patient setup are important factors in obtaining accurate BP measurements.

''Regardless of the method used to measure BP, initial and ongoing training of technicians and healthcare providers and the use of validated and calibrated devices are critical for obtaining accurate BP measurements.'' ²

Blood pressure methodologies

There are three primary methods for measuring blood pressure:

Intra-arterial line

Direct measurement
Invasive

Fully-manual auscultatory

Indirect measurement

Non-invasive

Automated oscillometric

Indirect measurement

Non-invasive

Automated oscillometric NIBP measurement

Philips IntelliVue monitors use the automated oscillometric NIBP technique to measure the systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures. The only direct method for measuring BP is an invasive arterial line. Oscillometric methods estimate blood pressure.

All NIBP oscillometric devices use proprietary algorithms known only to the manufacturer. The algorithms can be modified by the device manufacturer and there are no requirements for such changes to be reported. Therefore, different devices, even from the same manufacturer are not interchangeable. Philips IntelliVue monitors can be configured to be interchangeable by selecting the same reference standard algorithm on all devices.

Application note:

Non-invasive blood pressure principles

Oscillometry has become the preferred method for automated non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) monitoring3,4 in most clinical settings. It is increasingly used as an alternative to the invasive blood pressure measurement. Studies show that, especially in critical cases (arrhythmia, vasoconstriction, hypertension, shock), oscillometric devices are in general more accurate and consistent than devices using other non-invasive measuring techniques. However, the oscillometric measurement method does have its limitations.

Download the application note> (949.0KB)

Application note:

Clinical validation of NIBP measurement accuracy

This Application Note discusses the technical developments in the Philips IntelliVue non-invasive blood pressure measurements (NIBP). This includes the choices of reference standards, and the clinical validation of measurement accuracy for available reference standards.

Download the application note> (1.14MB)

Reference standard algorithms

IntelliVue monitors offer two algorithm reference settings, Auscultatory and Invasive. Both algorithms conform to ISO 81060-2 and correspond to a traditional method of measuring blood pressure. Configuration of the NIBP reference on Philips monitors is a clinical decision that should be made by clinical leadership at the clinical facility.

The Auscultatory setting provides NBP values that closely approximate to values measured using the intra-arterial method

The Invasive setting is the factory default for the IntelliVue monitors and provides NBP values that closely approximate to values measured using the manual cuff and stethoscope method.

Educational video: Proper NIBP measurement using Philips IntelliVue patient monitors

An overview of non-invasive blood pressure measurement using Philips IntelliVue patient monitors, including measurement references, monitor configuration, pre-measurement bedside and patient setup; and measurement taking.

IntelliVue Instructions for Use

Detailed information on IntelliVue monitor configuration and patient set up for NIBP measurement can be found in the device Instructions for Use (IFU).

Download the MX100/X3 IFU (9.55MB)

Download the MX400-800 IFU (19.29MB)

Download the NBP Pressure Cuffs IFU (6.03MB)

Download the Mx750/850 IFU (9.55MB)

For additional information or questions, contact your local Philips representative.

Frequently asked questions

When is it best to use the auscultatory instead of the invasive reference method?

When is it best to use the auscultatory instead of the invasive reference method?

The invasive reference method is recommended if the NIBP measurement replaces or is compared to an invasive ABP measurement. The auscultatory reference method is recommended whenever the NIBP measurement replaces or is compared to manual auscultatory measurements. In general, Philips recommends to use the same reference in all care areas (OR, PACU, ICU, and so on) between which adult and pediatric patients are moved.
Can I use a non-Philips cuff with the Philips IntelliVue patient monitors?

Can I use a non-Philips cuff with the Philips IntelliVue patient monitors?

Philips cannot make any claims about the performance with third-party cuffs. Our NIBP accessories and the NIBP algorithm have only been validated with the Philips cuffs.
What do I do if there is a leak in the tubing or cuff?

What do I do if there is a leak in the tubing or cuff?

The pneumatic system must not leak. A leak in the pneumatic system might lead to an extended measurement time and could result in inaccurate readings. In case of a large leak, the NIBP pump tries to reinflate the cuff during an ongoing measurement. This might happen several times and strongly indicates a possible leak. If you notice or suspect a leak, use new tubings and cuffs. Alternatively, and if the issue persists, contact your biomedical department or your Philips representative.
Can I use an NIBP simulator to check the measurement accuracy?

Can I use an NIBP simulator to check the measurement accuracy?

No, you cannot use an NIBP simulator to check the measurement accuracy. You can use an NIBP simulator only to test the overall functionality of the NIBP measurement. This is because multiple factors can influence the NIBP measurement. These factors cannot be reflected by an NIBP simulator:

• Interaction between a patient’s arm and cuff.

• Manufacturers of NIBP monitors may use different algorithms. These algorithms may vary based on the monitor’s patient categories and software version.

• You can configure IntelliVue patient monitors to use different references (auscultatory or invasive).
What happens if the NIBP algorithm cannot derive a reading?

What happens if the NIBP algorithm cannot derive a reading?

If the NIBP algorithm is not able to derive a reading, the algorithm will automatically initiate one or two additional measurements shortly after the first. If the additional measurements fail again, the monitor displays question marks and an INOP which informs about the unsuccessful measurement.
What can I do if the monitor displays implausible or no readings?

What can I do if the monitor displays implausible or no readings?

Check if one or more of the measurement limitations listed in the Instructions for Use of the monitor apply.
What is the early systolic value?

What is the early systolic value?

The NBP algorithm calculates an early systolic value during an ongoing measurement. This value is based on the previous measurement and gives a first estimate. Artifacts and changed patient conditions can impact the early systolic value. Because of this, there is no early systolic value for the first NBP measurement. If the Artifact Suppression setting is set to High, no early systolic value will be shown.
Can I change the interval between the columns on the Vital Signs trend?

Can I change the interval between the columns on the Vital Signs trend?

Yes, you can have the NIBP measurement determine the interval between the columns on the Vital Signs trend. To configure this, you can select Main Setup > Trends > Setup VitalSigns > Column > NIBP. This displays the trends with one column for each NIBP measurement. Only the times and respective vital signs of an NIBP measurement are displayed.
Why is the NIBP value on the monitor different from the mean NIBP value in my charting system?

Why is the NIBP value on the monitor different from the mean NIBP value in my charting system?

The mean NIBP value on the monitor is a measured value. The algorithm analyzes the oscillation envelope and computes the systolic, diastolic, and mean pressures. Some charting systems estimate the mean pressure by a rule of thumb, for example:

MAP = (2 × diastolic + systolic) / 3

Such rules of thumb are less accurate because they do not consider the influence of the pulse shape and heart rates. Use the values of these charting systems with caution.
Why do I need to discharge patients at the monitor?

Why do I need to discharge patients at the monitor?

Discharging patients at the monitor resets the NIBP algorithm and removes any stored values.
Why would I select Stop All?

Why would I select Stop All?

Stop All will stop all NIBP measurements when in Sequence, Auto, or STAT measurement mode. This setting will also reset the NIBP algorithm. This might help if the NIBP algorithm searches for cuff pressure oscillation in the wrong cuff pressure range because of an error in the previous reading.
Make sure to restart Sequence, Auto, or STAT measurement mode if you select Stop All to reset the NIBP algorithm.
Why is it important to select the correct patient category?

Why is it important to select the correct patient category?

Different patient safety limits are applied to neonatal, pediatric, and adult patients. These limits include the maximum cuff pressure and the duration of the cuff inflation. In addition, the monitor uses different algorithms based on the patient category to calculate systolic, mean, and diastolic pressures.
Can I apply the cuff over cloth?

Can I apply the cuff over cloth?

No, cloth between the cuff and the patient’s arm dampens the signal. This can compromise the accuracy and availability of the NIBP measurements.