Microlife 3AA1-2 Instruction Manual
Blood Pressure
Monitor
with Microlife Averaging Mode
Instruction Booklet for model #BP3AA1-2
US Patent #’s 6,485,429 (Irregular Heartbeat Detector)
6,447,457 (Microlife Averaging Mode)
Table of contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Features of your blood pressure monitor
1.2 Important information about self measurement
2. Important information on the subject of blood pressure and its measurement
2.1. How does high/low blood pressure arise?
2.2. Which values are normal?
2.3. What can be done, if regular high/low values are obtained?
2.4. Microlife Averaging Mode Technology
3. Components of your blood pressure monitor
4. Operation of your blood pressure monitor
4.1. Inserting the batteries
4.2. Using an AC power adapter
4.3. Cuff connection
4.4. Setting the time and date
4.5. Reading the set date
5. The measurement procedure
5.1. Before measuring
5.2. Common sources of error
5.3. Fitting the cuff
5.4. Measurement mode selection (single or average mode)
5.5. Setting memory for user 1 or user 2
5.6. Measuring procedure
5.7. Discontinuing a measurement
5.8. Memory – recall of the measurements
5.9. Clearing the memory
6. Error messages/Troubleshooting
7. Care and maintenance
8. Warranty
9. Certifications
10. Technical specifications
11. How to contact us
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Features of your Blood Pressure Monitor
Your Microlife blood pressure monitor is a fully automatic digital blood pressure measuring
device for use on the upper arm. It enables very fast and reliable measurement of the systolic
and diastolic blood pressure as well as the pulse by way of the oscillometric method. This device
offers clinically proven accuracy and has been designed to be very user friendly.
Before using, please read this instruction manual carefully. Then store the manual in a safe place
for later reference. Please contact your physician for further questions on the subject of blood
pressure and its measurement.
ATTENTION!
1.2. Important information about self-measurement
Self-measurement means control, not diagnosis or treatment. Your values must always be discussed with your physician. You should never alter the dosages of any medication without direction from your physician.
The pulse display is not suitable for checking the frequency of heart pacemakers!!
In cases of irregular heartbeat, measurements made with this instrument should
only be evaluated after consultation with your doctor.
Electromagnetic Interference: This device contains sensitive electronic components. Avoid
strong electrical or electromagnetic fields in the direct vicinity of the device (e.g. mobile telephones, microwave ovens, etc.). These can lead to temporary impairment of the monitor’s measuring accuracy.
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2. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON THE SUBJECT OF BLOOD PRESSURE AND ITS MEASUREMENT
2.1 How does high or low blood pressure arise?
The level of blood pressure is determined in the circulatory center of your brain and adjusts to a
variety of situations through feedback from the nervous system. To adjust blood pressure, the
strength and frequency of the heart (Pulse), as well as the width of circulatory blood vessels are
altered. Blood vessel width is altered by fine muscles in the blood vessel walls. The level of arterial blood pressure changes periodically during heart activity. During the “blood ejection”
(Systole), the value is highest (systolic blood pressure value). At the end of the heart’s “rest period” (Diastole) pressure is lowest (diastolic blood pressure value). Blood pressure values must lie
within certain normal ranges in order to prevent particular diseases.
2.2 Which values are normal?
Blood pressure is too high if your diastolic pressure is above 90 mmHg and/or your systolic blood
pressure is over 160 mmHg,
ly. Long-term values at this level endanger your health due to continual damage to the blood vessels in you body.
If your systolic blood pressure values are between 140 mmHg and 160mmHg and/or the diastolic
blood pressure values between 90 mmHg and 95mmHg, consult your physician. Regular selfchecks are necessary.
If you have blood pressure values that are too low, (i.e., systolic values under 105mmHg and/or
diastolic values under 60 mmHg), consult your physician.
Even with normal blood pressure values, a regular self-check with your blood pressure monitor is
recommended. You can detect possible changes in your values early and react appropriately.
If you are undergoing medical treatment to control your blood pressure, keep a record of values
along with time of day and date. Show these values to your physician.
your measurements to independently alter the drug doses prescribed by your physician.
Which values are normal?
The following standards for assessing high blood pressure (without regard to age) have been
established by the National Institutes of Health JNC7.
while at rest. In this case, please consult your physician immediate-
Never use the results of
Category Systolic Diastolic
(mmHg) (mmHg)
Normal <120 <80
Self-Check
Pre-Hypertension 120 - 139 80 - 89
Stage 1 140 - 159 90 - 99
Hypertension
Stage 2 >160 >100
Hypertension
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• Further Information
• If your values are mostly normal under resting conditions but exceptionally high under conditions of physical or psychological stress, it is possible that your are suffering from so-called
“labile hypertension.” Consult your physician.
• Correctly measured diastolic blood pressure values above 120mmHg require immediate medical treatment.
2.3 What can be done if regular high or low values are obtained?
a) Consult your physician.
b) Increased blood pressure values (various forms of hypertension) are associated with consid-
erable health risks over time. Arterial blood vessels in your body are endangered due to constrictions caused by deposits in the vessel walls (Arteriosclerosis). A deficient supply of blood
to important organs (heart, brain, muscles) can result. Furthermore, the heart will become
structurally damaged with increased blood pressure values.
c) There are many different causes of high blood pressure. We differentiate between the com-
mon primary (essential) hypertension, and secondary hypertension. The latter group can be
ascribed to specific organ malfunctions. Please consult your physician for information about
the possible origins of your own increased blood pressure values.
d) There are measures you can take to reduce and even prevent high blood pressure. These
measures must
be permanent lifestyle changes.
1. Eating habits:
• Strive for a normal weight corresponding to your age. See your doctor for your ideal weight.
• Avoid excessive consumption of common salt.
• Avoid fatty foods.
2. Previous illnesses
• Consistently follow all medical instructions for treating illness such as: diabetes
(diabetes mellitus or sugar diabetes), fat metabolism disorder, and gout.
3. Habits
• Give up smoking completely
• Drink only moderate amounts of alcohol
• Restrict your caffeine consumption (coffee, tea and chocolate)
e) Your physical condition
• After a medical examination, and with your doctor’s approval and direction; exercise.
• Choose sports which require stamina and avoid those which require strength.
• Avoid reaching the limit of your performance.
• With previous illnesses and/or an age of over 40 years, please consult your physician before
beginning your exercise routine. You must receive advise regarding the type and extent of
exercise that is appropriate for you.
2.4 Microlife Averaging Mode Technology
Microlife Averaging Mode (MAM) Technology is a new concept for optimum reliability in self’measurement of blood pressure. A single measurement is rarely your real result. An average of three readings
is medically proven to provide the most accurate result. With the push of a single button, the Microlife
Averaging Mode blood pressure monitor takes three consecutive measurements, and calculates the
average.
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3. COMPONENTS OF YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR
The upper arm cuff included with your monitor is for
AC Adapter and Cuff Connection
(AC Adapter sold separtely)
Time/Date
arm circumferences of 9.5”
- 13.25”(20-32cm).
Please Note: Do not force
the cuff connection into
the opening. Make sure
the cuff connection is not
pushed into the AC
adapter port. Larger cuffs
are available.
User 1 or 2
and Set Time/Date
Start
Memory
and Scroll
Select 1 Measurement
or Select 3 Measurement for
Microlife Averaging Mode
Systolic
Diastolic
Pulse
ON/OFF
4. OPERATION OF YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR
4.1 Inserting the batteries
After you have unpacked your device, insert the batteries. The
battery compartment is located on the back side of the device
(see illustration).
a) Remove cover from the bottom plate, as illustrated.
b) Insert the batteries (4 x size AA ). Always use AA long life batter-
ies or alkaline 1.5v batteries. Do not use rechargeable batteries.
c) If a battery warning appears in the display, the batteries are dis-
charged and must be replaced.
Attention!
• After the battery warning appears, the device is blocked until the batteries have been replaced.
• If the blood pressure monitor is left unused for long periods, please remove the batteries from the device.
Functional check: Hold the ON/OFF button down to test all the display elements. When functioning correctly all segments must appear.
4.2. Using an AC adapter (optional accessory sold separately)
It is possible to operate this blood pressure instrument with an AC adapter (output 6 V DC / 600 mA with
DIN plug).
a) Insert the AC adapter plug into the socket at the left side of the instrument.
b) Plug the AC adapter into a power socket. Test that power is available by pressing the ON/OFF button.
Note: No power is taken from the batteries while the AC adapter is connected to the instrument. If
power is interrupted during the measurement, (e.g. by accidental removal of the AC adapter from the
socket) the instrument must be reset by removing the plug from its socket and
re-inserting the connectors. To purchase an AC adapter, please call Microlife at
1-800-568-4147 or visit our website, www.microlifeusa.com.
4.3. Cuff connection
Insert the cuff tube into the opening provided on the left side of the
instrument, as shown in the diagram.
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4.4. Setting the time and date
DATE/TIME
MEMORY
DATE/TIME
MEMORY
DATE/TIME
MEMORY
DATE/TIME
MEMORY
TIME
TIME
This blood pressure monitor incorporates an integrated clock with date display. Time and date
are recorded along with pressure and pulse. After new batteries have been inserted, the clock
begins to run from the following setting: 2000-01-01 12:00 O’clock. You must then re-enter the date
and current time. Please proceed as follows (Example: Entering 2002-06-15 Time 09:30 AM):
1. Press the User/Time button for at least 3
seconds. The display now indicates the set
year, The last two characters are blinking.
2. The correct year can be entered by
pressing the MEMORY button. Once for
each change. (Example: 1 x press)
3. Press the User/Time button again. The
display now switches to the current date,
during which the first character (month)
blinks. Note: Holding the button down
speeds up the procedure.
5. Press the User/Time button again. The
last two characters (day) are now blinking.
6. The current day can now be entered by
pressing the MEMORY button. (Example: 14
x presses advances the day from the 1st to
15th)
7. Press the User/Time button again. The
display now switches to the current time,
during which the first character (Hour)
blinks.
4. The current month can now be entered
by pressing the MEMORY button. Example:
pressing 5 x advances 5 months)
6
8. The corresponding hour can now be
entered by pressing the MEMORY button.
(Example: 9 x presses)
9. Press the User/Time button again. The
DATE/TIME
MEMORY
1
1
DATE/TIME
last two characters (Minutes) now blink.
4.5. Reading the set date
After all settings have been made, click the
User/Time button once. The date is briefly
displayed and then the time. The input is
now confirmed and the clock begins to run.
MONTH-DATE
10. The minutes can now be entered by
pressing the MEMORY button. (Example: 30
x presses advances the time from 0 to 30
minutes)
5. MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE
5.1. Before measuring:
• Avoid eating, smoking as well as all forms of exertion directly before the measurement. All these
factors influence the measurement result. Find time to relax by sitting in an armchair in a quiet
atmosphere for about ten minutes before the measurement.
• Remove any garment that fits closely to your upper arm.
• Always measure on the same arm (normally left).
• Compare measurements taken at the same time of day, since blood pressure changes during the
course of the day.
5.2. Common sources of error:
Note: Comparable blood pressure measurements always require the same conditions! Conditions
should always be quiet.
• All efforts by the user to support the arm can increase blood pressure. Make sure you are in a com-
fortable, relaxed position and do not flex any of the muscles in the measurement arm during the
measurement. Use a cushion for support if necessary.
• If the arm artery lies considerably lower or higher than the heart, an erroneously high or low blood
pressure will be measured! Each 15cm (6 inch) difference in height between your heart and the cuff
results in a measurement error of 10 mmHg!
• Cuffs that are too narrow or too short result in false measurement values. Selecting the correct cuff
is extremely important. Cuff size is dependent upon the circumference of the arm (measured in the
center). The permissible range is printed on the cuff. If this is not suitable for your use, please contact Microlife USA. Large cuff sizes are sold separately.
Note: Only use clinically approved Microlife Cuffs!
• A loose cuff or a sideways protruding air pocket causes false measurement values.
• With repeated measurements, blood accumulates in the arm, which can lead to false results.
Consecutive blood pressure measurements should be repeated after a 1 minute pause or after your
arm has been held up in order to allow the accumulated blood to flow away.
Please note, clinical studies have proven the Microlife Averaging Mode (MAM) system with a 15 second wait
period between the second and third measurements. If you decide to retake your MAM measurement
again, be sure to wait at least one minute before repeating a MAM measurement.
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5.3. Fitting the cuff
a) Pass the end of the cuff through the flat metal ring so
that a loop is formed. The Velcro closer must be facing
outwards. (Ignore this step if the cuff has already been
prepared.)
b) Place the cuff over the left upper arm so that the tube is
closer to your lower arm. Align the cuff artery mark
(arrow) over the arm artery than runs down the inner side
of the arm.
c) Lay the cuff on the arm as illustrated. Make certain that
the lower edge of the cuff lies approximately 3/4” to 1”
(2 to 3 cm) above the elbow and that the tube is closer to
the inner side of the arm.
d) Tighten the cuff by pulling the end and close the cuff by
affixing the velcro. Make sure that the cuff Index end
falls between the OK lines when the cuff is in position. If
it doesn’t, you are using the wrong cuff size.
e) There should be little free space between the arm and
the cuff. You should be able to fit 2 fingers between your
arm and the cuff. Clothing must not restrict the arm. Any
piece of clothing which does must be removed.
f) Lay your arm on a table (palm upward) so the cuff is at
the same height as the heart. Make sure that the tube is
not kinked.
g) Remain seated quietly for five minutes before you begin
the measurement.
Comment:
If it is not possible to fit the cuff to the left arm, it can also
be placed on your right arm. However, all measurements
should be made using the same arm.
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1
DATE/TIME
2
5.4. Measurement mode selection
Clinical studies demonstrate taking multiple blood pressure readings and calculating an “average”
is more likely to determine your true blood pressure. Your Microlife Averaging Mode unit allows you
to switch the unit to an Averaging Mode setting that automatically takes multiple readings!
Averaging Mode Slide Switch:
a) If you would like to take an Averaging Mode
measurement, move the slide switch to the right.
b) Averaging Mode takes 3 measurements in
One is for a single
measurement
Three is Average
Mode Selection
succession and calculates the result. An “A“
symbol in the display indicates that the unit is
set to the Averaging Mode.
c) There will be 15 seconds resting time in-between
each measurement. The unit will count down from 15
seconds. A beep will sound at the last 5 seconds to
remind you that the unit is about to take another
measurement.
Single mode
a) If you would like to take a single measurement, please
move the slide switch to the left.
5.5. Setting memory for user 1 or user 2
MONTH-DATE MONTH-DATE
User Selection
User 1 symbol
Note: Before proceeding make sure the unit is turned on.
User 2 symbol
This advanced blood pressure monitor allows you to track blood pressure readings for 2 individuals independently.
a) Before taking your measurement, make sure you set the unit for the intended user. (User 1,
User 2)
b) The unit is set to User 1. Click the User/Time button to change to User 2. The symbol indicates
user 1 or user 2.
c) Click the User/Time button again to change into User 1.
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5.6. Measuring procedure
TIME
1
TIME
1
mmHg
mmHg
PM 7:26
ON/OFF
After the cuff has been appropriately positioned, the measurement can begin:
a) Press the ON/OFF button. The display will show many icons
followed by 3 beeps indicating "ready to measure."
b) Press the START button. The pump begins to inflate the
cuff. The rising pressure in the cuff is shown in the display
of your monitor.
c) After a suitable inflation pressure has been reached, the
pump stops and the pressure gradually falls. The cuff pres-
sures are displayed. If the inflation pressure is not suffi-
cient, the monitor automatically re-inflates.
d) When the instrument detects a pulse, the heart symbol in
the display starts to flash and a beep is heard for every
heartbeat.
e) A long beep is sounded when the measurement is com-
plete. The systolic, and diastolic blood pressure and pulse
rate now appear in the display.
f) The measurement reading remains on the display until you
switch off the instrument. If no button is pressed for a peri-
od of 5 minutes the instrument switches itself off in order to
preserve the batteries.
g) When the unit is set to the Microlife Averaging Mode set-
ting, 3 separate measurements will take place in succes-
sion after which your result is calculated. There is a 15 sec-
ond resting time in-between each measurement. A count
down indicates the remaining time and a beep will sound 5
seconds before the 2nd and 3rd readings will begin.
If one of the measurements causes an error message, it will be repeated one more time. If any additional error occurs, the measurement will
be discontinued and error code displayed.
Expanding the MAM measurement to see the three individual
readings - This function allows you to view the three individual
measurements used to calculate the MAM measurement. After
taking a MAM measurement hold the memory button for 3
seconds until you hear a short beep. (Do not hold the button
longer than 7 seconds or you will delete all the readings in the
memory.) Let go of the button and watch the screen. It will automatically scroll through the three measurements used in the
MAM measurement.
5.7. Discontinuing a measurement
If it is necessary to interrupt a blood pressure measurement
for any reason (e.g. the patient feels unwell), the ON/OFF button can be pressed at any time. The device then immediately
lowers the cuff pressure automatically.
10
Pulse
Detected
User 1
Reading
for User 1
Average
Mode
Measurement
User 1
Average
Mode
is turned on
Cuff
Pressure
Systolic
Diastolic
Pulse
Systolic
Diastolic
Pulse
Time/Date
Systolic
Diastolic
Pulse
User #1
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