Microlife BP 3AP1-3E Instruction Manual

3

Microlife BP 3AP1-3E

Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor

Instruction Manual

4

Microlife BP 3AP1-3E

1

Microlife BP 3AP1-3E

(1) ON/OFF Button

(2) Display

(3) Speaker

(4) Cuff Socket

(5) Mains Adapter Socket

(6) Volume Control

(7) Battery Compartment

(8) Cuff

(9) Cuff Connector

(

10)

M-Button (Memory)

(

11)

Time Button

Display

(

12)

Date/Time

(

13)

Systolic Value

(

14)

Diastolic Value

(

15)

Pulse

(

16)

Stored Value

(

17)

Heart Arrhythmia Indicator

(

18)

Battery Display

(

19)

Pulse Rate

(

20)

Traffic Light Display

(

21)

Alarm Time

Dear Customer,
Your new Microlife blood pressure monitor is a reliable medical
instrument for taking measurements on the upper arm. It is simple to
use and accurate, highly recommended for blood pressure monitoring
in your home. This instrument was developed in collaboration with
physicians; clinical tests have proven its measurement accuracy to be
very high.*
Please read through these instructions carefully so that you understand
all functions and safety information. We want you to be happy with
your Microlife product. If you have any questions, problems or want
to order spare parts, please contact Microlife-Customer Service. Your
dealer or pharmacy will be able to inform you the contact information
of the Microlife dealer in your country. Alternatively, visit the Internet
at www.microlife.com where you will find useful information about
our products our products.
Stay healthy – Microlife
* This instrument uses the same measuring technology as the award
winning «BP 3BTO-A» model tested according to the British
Hypertension Society (BHS) protocol.

2

Table of Contents

1. Important Facts about Blood Pressure and Self-Measurement

• How do I evaluate my blood pressure?

2. Using the Instrument for the First Time

• Activating the tted batteries

• Setting the date and time

• Changing the language

• Adjusting the volume

• Selecting the correct cuff

3. Taking a Blood Pressure Measurement using this Instrument

4. Appearance of the Heart Arrhythmia Indicator for early
Detection

5. Traffic Light Indication in the Display

6. Data Memory

• Viewing the stored values

• Memory full

• Clearing all values

• How not to store a reading

7. Setting the Alarm Function

8. Battery Indicator and Battery change

• Low battery

• Flat battery – replacement

• Which batteries and which procedure?

• Using rechargeable batteries

9. Error Messages

10.Safety, Care, Accuracy Test and Disposal

• Safety and protection

• Instrument care

• Accuracy test

• Disposal

11.Guarantee

12.Technical Specifications /

13.www.microlife.com

1. Important Facts about Blood Pressure and Self­Measurement

• Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood flowing in the
arteries generated by the pumping of the heart. Two values,
the systolic (upper) value and the diastolic (lower) value, are
always measured.

• The instrument also indicates the pulse rate (the number of
times the heart beats in a minute).

• Permanently high blood pressure values can damage
your health and must be treated by your doctor!

• Always discuss your values with your doctor and tell him/her if
you have noticed anything unusual or feel unsure. Never rely
on single blood pressure readings.

• Enter your readings in the enclosed blood pressure diary. This
will give your doctor a quick overview.

• There are many causes of excessively high blood pressure
values. Your doctor will explain them in more detail and offer

treatment where appropriate. Besides medication, relaxation
techniques, weight loss and exercise can also lower your blood
pressure.

• Under no circumstances should you alter the dosages of
any drugs prescribed by your doctor!

• Depending on physical exertion and condition, blood pressure is

subject to wide uctuations as the day progresses. You should
therefore take your measurements in the same quiet
conditions and when you feel relaxed! Take at least two

measurements per day, one in the morning and one in the evening.

• It is quite normal for two measurements taken in quick
succession to produce significantly different results.

• Deviations between measurements taken by your doctor or
in the pharmacy and those taken at home are quite normal, as
these situations are completely different.

• Several measurements provide a clearer picture than just one
single measurement.

• Leave a small break of at least 15 seconds between two
measurements.

• If you are pregnant, you should monitor your blood pressure
very closely as it can change drastically during this time!

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• If you suffer from an irregular heartbeat, measurements taken
with this instrument should only be evaluated after consultation
with your doctor.

• The pulse display is not suitable for checking the

frequency of heart pacemakers!

How do I evaluate my blood pressure?

Table for classifying blood pressure values in adults in accordance
with the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2003. Data in mmHg.

Range Systolic Diastolic Recommendation

blood pressure ↓100 ↓ 60 Consult your doctor
too low

1. blood pressure 100 - 120 60 - 80 Self-check
optimum

2. blood pressure 120 - 130 80 - 85 Self-check
normal

3. blood pressure 130 - 139 85 - 89 Consult your doctor
slightly high

4. blood pressure 140 - 159 90 - 99 Seek medical advice
too high

5. blood pressure 160 - 179 100 - 109 Seek medical advice
far too high

6. blood pressure 180↑ 110↑ Urgently seek medical
dangerously
high

The higher value is the one that determines the evaluation. Example:
a readout value between 150/85 or 120/98 mmHg indicates «blood
pressure too high».

2. Using the Instrument for the first Time

Activating the fitted batteries

Open the battery cover on the bottom of the device and insert the
attached batteries into the battery compartment (7), observing the
indidated palarity.

Setting the date and time

1. After the new batteries are fitted, the year number flashes in the
display. You can set the year by pressing the M-button (10). To
confirm and then set the month, press the time button (11).

2. You can now set the month using the M-button. Press the time
button to confirm and then set the day.

3. Please follow the instructions above to set the day, hour and
minutes.

4. Once you have set the minutes and pressed the time button, the
date and time are set and the time is displayed.

5. If you want to change the date and time, press and hold the time
button down for approx. 3 seconds until the year number starts
to flash. Now you can enter the new values as described above.

Changing the language

You can change the language by using the following procedure:

1. While the device is switched off keep the ON/OFF button (1)
pressed until you see the letters «LAn» on the LCD.

2. Now you can change the language by continuously pressing the
M-button (10):

1=English, 2=Taiwanese, 3=Mandarin, 4=Vietnamese.

3. Confirm the selection by pressing the ON/OFF button (1).

Adjusting the volume

Use the volume control (6) to adjust the volume of the speaker.

Selecting the correct cuff

Microlife offers different cuff sizes. Select the cuff size to match the
circumference of your upper arms (measured by close fitting in the centre
of the upper arm).

Cuff size for circumference of upper arm

S 17 - 22 cm (6.75 - 8.75 inches)
M 22 - 32 cm (8.75 - 12.5 inches)
L 32 - 42 cm (12.5 - 16.5 inches)
M-L 22 - 42 cm (8.75 - 16.5 inches)

➢ Microlife provides fan shape wide range (M~L Size) cuff for arm
circumference 22-42 cm.

➢ Only use Microlife cuffs.

• Contact Microlife Service if the enclosed cuff (8) does not fit.

• Connect the cuff to the instrument by inserting the cuff connector

(9) into the cuff socket (4) as far as it will go.

3. Taking a Blood Pressure Measurement using this
Instrument

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Checklist for taking a reliable measurement

1. Avoid activity, eating or smoking immediately before the
measurement.

2. Sit down for at least 5 minutes before the measurement and
relax.

3. Always measure on the same arm (normally left).

4. Remove close-fitting garments from the upper arm. To avoid
constriction, shirt sleeves should not be rolled up - they do not
interfere with the cuff if they are laid flat.

5. Always ensure that the cuff is positioned correctly, as shown on
the cuff.

• Fit the cuff closely, but not too tight.

• Make sure that the cuff is 2 cm (0.75 inch) above your elbow

with the tube on the inside of your arm.

• Support your arm so it is relaxed.

• Ensure that the cuff is at the same height as your heart.

6. Press the ON/OFF button (1) to start the measurement.

7. The cuff will now pump up automatically. Relax, do not move
and do not tense your arm muscles until the measurement result
is displayed. Breathe normally and do not talk.

8. When the correct pressure is reached, the pumping stops and
the pressure falls gradually. If the required pressure was not
reached, the instrument will automatically pump some more air
to the cuff.

9. During the measurement, the heart symbol (19) flashes in the
display and a beep sounds every time a heartbeat is detected.

10. The result, comprising the systolic (13) and the diastolic (14)
blood pressure and the pulse (15) is displayed and longer beep
is heard. At the same time, the blood pressure monitor will
announce the result. Note also the explanations on further
displays in this booklet.

11. When the measurement is finished, remove the cuff.

12. Switch off the instrument. (The monitor does switch off
automatically after approx. 3 min.).

➢ You can stop the measurement at any time by pressing the ON/

OFF button (e.g. if you feel uneasy or an unpleasant pressure
sensation).

4. Appearance of the Heart Arrhythmia Indicator for
early Detection

This symbol (17) indicates that certain pulse irregularities were
detected during the measurement. In this case, the result may
deviate from your normal blood pressure – repeat the measurement.
In most cases, this is no cause for concern. However, if the
symbol appears on a regular basis (e.g. several times a week with
measurements taken daily) we advise you to tell your doctor.
Please show your doctor the following explanation:

Information for the doctor on frequent appearance of the
Arrhythmia indicator

This instrument is an oscillometric blood pressure monitor that also
analyses pulse frequency during measurement. The instrument is
clinically tested.
The arrhythmia symbol is displayed after the measurement, if pulse
irregularities occur during measurement. If the symbol appears more
frequently (e.g. several times per week on measurements performed
daily) we recommend the patient to seek medical advice.
The instrument does not replace a cardiac examination, but serves
to detect pulse irregularities at an early stage.

5. Traffic Light Indication in the Display

The bars on the left-hand edge of the traffic light display (20) show
you the range within which the indicated blood pressure value lies.
Depending on the height of the bar, the readout value is either within
the normal (green), borderline (yellow) or danger (red) range. The
classification corresponds to the 6 ranges in the Table as defined by

the WHO, as described in «Section 1.».

6. Data Memory

At the end of each measurement, this instrument automatically
stores the result, including date and time.

Viewing the stored values

Press the M-button (10) briefly, when the instrument is switched
off. The display first shows «M» (16) and then a value, e.g. «M 17».
This means that there are 17 values in the memory. The instrument
then switches to the last stored result.

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Pressing the M-button again displays the previous value. Pressing
the M-button repeatedly enables you to move from one stored value
to another.

Memory full

Pay attention that the maximum memory capacity of 100 is
not exceeded. When the memory is full, the old values
are automatically overwritten with new ones. Values
should be evaluated by a doctor before the memory capacity
is reached – otherwise data will be lost.

Clearing all values

If you are sure that you want to permanently remove all stored
values, hold down the M-button (the instrument must have been
switched off beforehand) until «CL» appears and then release the
button. To permanently clear the memory, press the M-button while
«CL» is flashing. Individual values cannot be cleared.

How not to store a reading

Press the ON/OFF button (1) while the reading is being displayed.
Keep the button pressed until «M» (16) is flashing and then release
it. Confirm by pressing the M-button.

7. Setting the Alarm Function

This instrument allows you to set 2 alarm times at which an alarm
signal will then be triggered. This can be a useful aid, for instance

as a reminder to take medication.

1. To set an alarm time, press the time button (11) (the instrument
must have been switched off beforehand) and immediately
afterwards the M-button (10) and hold both down until the
bell symbol (21) appears in the bottom left of the display. Then
release both buttons. The flashing «1» in the display indicates
that the first alarm time can now be set.

2. Press the time button to set the hours – the hour display flashes
and pressing the M-button allows you to set the alarm hour. To
confirm, press the time button.

3. The minute display will now flash. The minutes can be set using
the M-button. To confirm, press the time button again.

4. The bell symbol will now ash. Use the M-button to select
whether the alarm time is to be active (bell) or inactive

(crossedout bell). To confirm, press the time button.

• To set a second alarm time, proceed as above but if the «1»
flashes, press the M-button to select «2» and confirm with the
time button.

• An active alarm time is indicated by the bell symbol in the
display.

• The alarm will sound at the set time every day.

• To switch-off the alarm when it is sounding, press the ON/OFF

button (1).

• To permanently switch off the alarm, proceed as above and
select the crossed-out bell symbol. This will then disappear from
the display.

• The alarm times must be re-entered each time the batteries are
replaced.

8. Battery Indicator and Battery change

Low battery

When the batteries are approximately 3/4 used, the battery symbol
(18) will flash as soon as the instrument is switched on (partly
filled battery displayed). Although the instrument can still measure
reliably, you should obtain replacement batteries.

Flat battery - replacement

When the batteries are flat, the battery symbol (18) will flash as
soon as the instrument is switched on (flat battery is displayed).
You cannot take any further measurements and must replace the
batteries.

1. Open the battery compartment (7) at the back of the instrument.

2. Replace the batteries - ensure correct polarity as shown by the
symbols in the compartment.

3. To set date and time, follow the procedure described in «Section 2.».

➢ The memory retains all values although date and time (and

possibly also set alarm times) must be reset – the year number
therefore flashes automatically after the batteries are replaced.

Which batteries and which procedure?

➢ Please use 4 new, long-life 1.5V, size AA batteries.
➢ Do not use batteries beyond their date of expiry.
➢ Remove batteries, if the instrument is not going to be used for a

prolonged period.

6

Using rechargeable batteries

You can also operate this instrument using rechargeable batteries.

➢ Only use «NiMH» type reusable batteries.
➢ The batteries must be removed and recharged once the battery

symbol (flat battery) appears! They must not remain inside the
instrument, as they may become damaged (Low use of the
instrument may result in discharge, even when it is switched off. ).

➢ Always remove the rechargeable batteries, if you do not intend

to use the instrument for a week or more!

➢ The batteries can not be charged in the blood pressure monitor!

Recharge these batteries in an external charger and read the
information regarding charging, care and durability!

9. Error Messages

If an error occurs during the measurement, the measurement is
interrupted and an error message, e.g. «ERR 3», is displayed.

Error Description Potential cause and remedy

«ERR 1» Signal too The pulse signals on the cuff are too weak.
weak Re-position the cuff and repeat the

measurement.*

«ERR 2» Error signal During the measurement, error signals

were detected by the cuff, caused by
movement or muscle tension. Repeat the

measurement, keeping your arm still.

«ERR 3» No pressure An adequate pressure cannot be generated
in the cuff in the cuff. A leak may have occurred.

Check that the cuff is correctly connected
and is not too loose. Replace the batteries

if necessary. Repeat the measurement.

«ERR 5» Abnormal The measuring signals are inaccurate and
result no result can therefore be displayed.

Read through the checklist for performing
reliable measurements and then repeat the

measurement.*
«HI» Pulse or cuff The pressure in the cuff is too high (over
pressure too 300 mmHg) or the pulse is too high (over
high 200 beats per minute). Relax for 5 minutes

and repeat the measurement.*

Error Description Potential cause and remedy

«LO» Pulse too The pulse is too low (less than 40 beats per
low minute). Repeat the measurement.*

* Please consult your doctor, if this or any other problem occurs
repeatedly.

➢ If you think the results are unusual, please read through the

information in «Section 1.» carefully.

10. Safety, Care, Accuracy Test and Disposal

Safety and protection

• This instrument may be used only for the purpose described in
this booklet. The manufacturer cannot be held liable for damage
caused by incorrect application.

• This instrument comprises sensitive components and must
be treated with caution. Observe the storage and operating

conditions described in the «Technical Specifications» section!

• Protect it from:

- water and moisture

- extreme temperatures

- impact and dropping

- contamination and dust

- direct sunlight

- heat and cold

• The cuffs are sensitive and must be handled with care.

• Only pump up the cuff when fitted.

• Keep the instrument away from strong electromagnet fields such

as mobile telephones or ration installations.

• Do not use the instrument if you think it is damaged or notice
anything unusual.

• Never open the instrument.

• Remove the batteries if the instrument is not going to be used

for a prolonged period.

• Read the further safety instructions in the individual sections of
this booklet.

Ensure that children do not use the instrument unsupervised;

some parts are small enough to be swallowed.

7

Instrument care

Clean the instrument only with a soft, dry cloth.

Accuracy test

We recommend this instrument is tested for accuracy every 2 years
or after mechanical impact (e.g. being dropped). Please contact
Microlife-Service to arrange the test (see foreword).

Batteries and electronic instruments must be disposed of in
accordance with the locally applicable regulations, not with
domestic waste.

11.Guarantee

• This blood-pressure monitor BP 3AP1-3E is guaranteed for
3 years from date of purchase.This guarantee includes the
instrument and the cuff. The guarantee does not apply to
damage caused by improper handling, damage from leaking
batteries, accidents, not following the operating instructions or
alterations made to the instrument by third parties.

• The guarantee is only valid upon presentation of the guarantee
card filled out by the dealer.

• Name and company address of the responsible dealer:

12. Technical Specifications

Operating temperature: 10 - 40℃/ 50 - 104℉
Storage temperature: -20 - +55℃ / -4 - +131℉

15 - 90 % relative maximum humidity

Weight: 480 g (including batteries)
Dimensions: 180 x 110 x 75 mm
Measuring procedure: oscillometric, corresponding to Korotkoff

method: Phase I systolic, Phase V

diastolic
Measurement range: 30 - 280 mmHg - blood pressure
40 - 200 beats per minute - pulse

Cuff pressure display
range: 0 - 299 mmHg
Resolution: 1 mmHg
Static accuracy: pressure within±3 mmHg
Pulse accuracy: ±5 % of the readout value
Voltage source: 4 x 1.5 V Batteries; size AA

Reference to standards:

Device standard: Device corresponds to the requirements of the
standard for non-invasive blood pressure monitor
EN 1060-1
EN 1060-3
EN 1060-4
IEC 60601-1
IEC 60601-1-2
Electromagnetic compatibility: Device fulfills the stipulations of the
standard IEC 60601-1-2

The stipulations of the EU Directive 93/42/EEC

for Medical Devices Class IIa have been fulfilled.

Read the instructions carefully before using this device.

Type BF applied part.

Technical alterations reserved!

13.www.microlife.com

Detailed user information about our products as well as services can
be found at www.microlife.com