Microlife BP3AQ1 Instruction Manual

MLU3AQ1-APR09-1

PLEASE NOTE:
THIS MEDICAL INSTRUMENT MUST BE USED ACCORDING TO
INSTRUCTIONS TO ENSURE ACCURATE READINGS.

Automatic

Blood Pressure Monitor

with Clinical Accuracy

Instruction Booklet for model# BP3AQ1

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Microlife Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor

Instruction Manual

Table of contents

1. Introduction

1.1. Features of your blood pressure monitor

1.2. Important information about self-measurement

2. Important information on 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?

3. Components of your blood pressure monitor

4. Operation of your blood pressure monitor

4.1. Inserting the batteries

4.2. Using an A/C power adapter

4.3. Tube connection

5. Measurement Procedure

5.1. Before measurement

5.2. Common sources of error

5.3. Fitting the cuff

5.4 Measuring procedure

5.5. Reading Recall – displaying the last measurement

5.6. Discontinuing a measurement

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 Microlife automatic blood pressure monitor

Your blood pressure monitor is a fully automatic, digital blood pressure measuring device for
use on the upper arm, which 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 user friendly.

Before using, please read this instruction manual carefully and then keep it in a safe place. Please contact
your doctor for further questions on the subject of blood pressure measurement.

Attention!

1.2. Important information about self-measurement

• Self-measurement means Control, not diagnosis or treatment. Unusual values must always be
discussed with your doctor. Under no circumstances should you alter the dosages of any drugs
prescribed by your doctor.

• The pulse display is not suitable for checking the frequency of heart pacemakers!

• In cases of irregular heartbeat (Arrhythmia), measurements made with this instrument should only

be evaluated after consultation with your doctor.

Electromagnetic interference:

The device contains sensitive electronic components. Avoid strong electrical or electromagnetic fields in
the direct vicinity of the device (e.g. mobile telephones, microwave ovens). These can lead to temporary
impairment of the measuring accuracy.

2. Important information on blood pressure and its measurement

2.1. How does high/low blood pressure arise?

Your level of blood pressure is determined in the circulatory center of the 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 is altered. Blood vessel width is
effected by fine muscles in the blood vessel walls.

Your 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 at rest, your diastolic pressure is above 100mmHg and/or the systolic blood
pressure is over 160mmHg. In this case, please consult your doctor immediately. Long-term values at this
level endanger your health due to continual damage to the blood vessels in your body.

Should the systolic blood pressure values lie between 140mmHg and 159mmHg and/or the diastolic blood
pressure values lie between 90mmHg and 99mmHg. Consult your doctor. Regular self-checks will be
necessary.

With blood pressure values that are too low, (i.e. systolic values under 105mmHg and/or diastolic values
under 60mmHg) consult your doctor.

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 doctor.

Never use the results of your measurements

to independently alter the drug doses prescribed by your doctor.

The following standards for assessing high blood pressure (without regard to age) have been established by
the National Institutes of Health JNC7, 2003.

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Category Systolic Diastolic

(mmHg) (mmHg)

Normal <120 and <80
Pre-Hypertension 120-139 or 80-89

Hypertension

Stage 1 Hypertension 140-159 or 90-99
Stage 2 Hypertension

≥160 or ≥100

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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 you are suffering from so-called “labile
hypertension”. Consult your doctor.

• Correctly measured diastolic blood pressure values above 120mmHg require immediate

medical treatment.

*Not intended for use on children under 12 years of age.

2.3. What can be done if regular high or low values are obtained?

a) Consult your doctor.

b) Increased blood pressure values (various forms of hypertension) are associated with considerable

health risks over time. Arterial blood vessels in your body are endangered due to constriction caused by
deposits in the vessel walls (Arteriosclerosis). A deficient supply of blood to important organs (heart,
brain, muscles) can result from arteriosclerosis. 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 common primary

(essential) hypertension, and secondary hypertension. The latter group can be ascribed to specific
organic malfunctions. Please consult your doctor for information about the possible origins of your own
increased blood pressure values.

d) There are measures which you can take to reduce and prevent high blood pressure. These measures

must be permanent lifestyle changes.

A) 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.

B) Previous illnesses

• Consistently follow all medical instructions for treating illnesses such as:

• Diabetes (Diabetes mellitus or sugar diabetes)

• Fat metabolism disorder

• Gout

C) Habits

• Give up smoking completely

• Drink only moderate amounts of alcohol

• Restrict your caffeine consumption (coffee, tea, chocolate)

D) Physical constitution

• After a preliminary medical examination, exercise regularly.

• 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 doctor before beginning
your sporting activities. He/She will advise you regarding the type and extent of types of sport that are
possible for you.

3. Components of your blood pressure monitor

The illustration shows the blood pressure monitor consisting of:

a) Measuring unit

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Cuff connection

START
button

LCD-display

AC/DC Power Socket

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b) Upper arm cuffs:

The cuff is for arm circumference 22–32 cm or

9.5” - 13.25” (included)

Microlife sells a large cuff for arm circumference 32-42 cm or

12” - 16” (call 1-800-568-4147 or visit

www.microlifeusa.com)

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 on the botton of the monitor.

b) Insert the batteries (4 x size AA 1,5 V), following the

indicated polarity. (+ -)

c) If the low battery indicator appears in the display, the

batteries are discharged and the unit will not function.

d) If the batteries are inserted incorrectly, the display

may function eratically or not at all. Check battery
polarity.

Attention!

• After the low battery indicator appears, the device
won’t function until the batteries have been replaced.

• Please use “AA” Long-Life or Alkaline 1.5V Batteries.

• Do not use rechargable batteries.

• If the blood pressure monitor is not used for long
periods, remove the batteries from the device.

Functional check: Hold on the START button down to
test all the display elements. When functioning correctly
many icons will appear.

Please Note:
Do not force cuff connection into the
opening. Make sure the cuff connection is
not pushed into the AC adapter port. If the
cuff is too small, call toll free 1-800-568-4147
for further information.

Low Battery Indicator

4.2. Using an AC power adapter (special accessory sold separately. Call 1-800-568-4147 to order)

It is possible to operate this blood pressure instrument with an AC adaptor (output 6 V DC / 600 mA with
DIN plug). Make certain that you use an adaptor which fulfils the legal requirements and electronic
requirements in the U.S. (UL standard)

a) Push the plug into the socket on the back side of

the instrument.

b) Push the AC adaptor into a 110 V power

socket (U.S. or Canada).

c) Test that power is available by pressing the

START button.

Note:

• No power is taken from the batteries while the AC adaptor is connected to the instrument.

• If the power is interrupted during the measurement (e.g. by removal of the adaptor from the wall
socket), the instrument must be reset by removing the plug from the instrument.

• Please consult Microlife if you have questions relating to the AC adaptor.

4.3. Tube connection

Insert the cuff tube into the opening provided on the left
side of the instrument, as shown in the diagram.

5. Measurement Procedure

Please note: You should always be seated before and during measurement

5.1. Before the measurement:

• Avoid eating and smoking as well as all forms of exertion directly before measurement. These factors
influence the measurement result. Find time to relax by sitting in an armchair in a quiet atmosphere for
about ten minutes before measurement.

• Remove any garment that fits closely to your upper arm.

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

• Always perform measurements at the same time of day, since the blood pressure changes during the
course of the day.

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5.2. Common sources of error:

Note:
Comparable blood pressure measurements always require the same conditions!
These are normally quiet conditions.

• Efforts by the patient to support the arm can increase blood pressure. Make sure you are in a
comfortable, relaxed position and do not activate any of the muscles in the measurement arm during
the measurement. Use a cushion for support and rest your arm on a table.

• If the upper arm artery lies considerably lower or higher than the heart, a false high or low blood
pressure will be measured!

*A variation of 6” between the cuff and heart level can result in a reading error of + or ­10mmHg.

• Cuffs that do not fit properly result in false measurement values. Selecting the correct cuff is extremely
important. The cuff size is dependent upon the circumference or distance around your upper arm
measured in the center. The permissible range is printed on the cuff. If this is not suitable for your use,
please contact Microlife.
Note: Only use clinically approved Microlife Cuffs.

• A loose cuff or a sideways protruding air-pocket causes false measurement values.

• Measurements should be done after a 5 minute rest to ensure accuracy.

• Consecutive blood pressure measurements should be performed after a 1 minute pause.

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.

2–3 cm

tube