Kiosk Users Get Advice from FDA on Accuracy of BP Measurement

Do you ever see a kiosk that measures blood pressure (BP) and take a seat to see how you fare? Well, make sure you are aware of the latest information regarding accuracy of kiosk BP measurements. On June 24, 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a consumer update for blood pressure monitoring kiosks. In this update, users are advised that blood pressure cuffs on public kiosks do not fit everyone and consequently, may not provide accurate BP readings for every user. Luke Herbertson PhD, Biomedical Engineer at the FDA stated, “[BP kiosks] are easily accessible and easy to use. But it’s misleading to think that the devices are appropriate for everybody. They are not one-size-fits-all.” Users with arm circumferences outside of the cuff range may receive inaccurate BP values.

It is critical that reputable, well-known organizations such as the FDA emphasize to consumers the need to use the correct size BP cuff as well as highlight some of the problems that may arise when using the wrong size. Incorrect cuff sizing is one of the most prevalent problems we deal with wherever blood pressure is taken, not just public kiosks. SunTech Medical has been providing blood pressure technology to the public kiosk market for a number of years and in an effort to address this problem, we recently expanded the range of our kiosk blood pressure cuff. So, while it is not one-size-fits-all, our kiosk cuff now accommodates a wider arm circumference range which addresses the same concerns highlighted in the FDA consumer update.