Mechanical tonometer – the principle of the device, an overview of the best models with a description and prices

The content of the article

• What is a mechanical tonometer
• Device
• Principle of operation
• Types of blood pressure monitors
• With phonendoscope
• Without phonendoscope
• With a stethoscope
• With age cuffs
• With enlarged cuff
• Professional mechanical tonometer
• Desktop
• How to choose a mechanical blood pressure monitor

Currently available pressure measuring instruments are mechanical, semi-automatic and automatic. The first are considered the most reliable and budget. The components of this type of device are relatively inexpensive, so if one of its parts fails, it can be easily replaced. Manufacturers of medical equipment offer tonometers in different configurations, so each buyer can find the best model for himself.

What is a mechanical tonometer

Before ordering a tonometer, read the definition of this device. By it is meant a professional device designed to measure blood pressure. When using different cuffs, the tonometer may be suitable for this procedure in people of different age groups. You can buy a mechanical tonometer in an online store with mail delivery today from any city in the country, whether it be Moscow, St. Petersburg, etc..

Device

Most doctors of domestic medical institutions prefer the classic mechanical device, as it is distinguished by accuracy of readings. If its components are intact, then the device will not malfunction. Its only drawback is that it is very difficult to measure pressure on their own – an assistant will be required. Any standard device of this type consists of a cuff, pressure gauge, air blower, stethophonendoscope or phonendoscope.

A typical diagram of a mechanical device is as follows: a manometer, an air blower, and a cuff are connected to each other by means of special tubes. In this case, the phonendoscope comes as a separate element, but in some devices it is built-in. The latest version is considered more convenient due to the fact that the head of the stethoscope is reliably engaged with the cuff – its position is not required to be controlled. The stethoscope in this case consists of a head and a binaural tube.

Principle of operation

Mechanical blood pressure monitors work like this: the cuff, when filled with air, stops blood circulation, while in the phonendoscope you can hear when the pressure has stopped. The person conducting the measurement slowly begins to release air from the cuff. In parallel, he listens attentively when blood circulation is restored. As soon as a pulse is heard, he draws attention to the first (upper) digit of the manometer – an indicator of systolic pressure. After the heart rate is not heard, the pressure gauge will show diastolic, i.e. lower pressure.

In order for the device to give testimony with minimal error, the patient will need to prepare for the procedure: relax, it is convenient to put your hand on the table. Then the assistant will need to put the cuff on his shoulder so that it is located at the level of the heart. It is fixed by means of Velcro. Then you need to start working with a pear (air blower), install a stethoscope (phonendoscope) to hear the pulsation in the veins. Some mechanical devices often use a hybrid stethoscope and phonendoscope design called a stethophonendoscope..

Types of blood pressure monitors

A manual blood pressure monitor of a mechanical type is produced in two versions: with a separately running stethoscope or built-in cuff. There are devices in which the manometer is combined with a pear, which simplifies the procedure for measuring blood pressure on its own. Often, devices for adults and for children are isolated separately. The devices offered for sale differ not only in the embodiment, but also in technical characteristics, overall dimensions, length of the shoulder cuff, measuring range and other parameters.

With phonendoscope

If you are going to buy a good tonometer for measuring pressure, which is equipped with a phonendoscope, pay attention to Shock Protection LD-91 from the manufacturer LD-91 (Singapore). The device is recommended for use in non-laboratory conditions, for example, for ambulance, home doctors, emergency medical services, etc. It fully complies with standards for impact resistance and with proper use will last at least 2-3 years:

• model name: Little Doctor Shock Protection LD-91;
• price: 1175 r .;
• characteristics: phonendoscope included, shoulder cuff – 25-36 cm, type – enlarged adult, material – nylon, plastic manometers, dial diameter – 50 mm, measurement borders – 20-300 mm Hg (mercury), possible inconsistencies – +/- 3 mm Hg, weight – 332 g;
• pluses: relatively light weight compared to metal analogues, the presence of a mechanism for automatic zero adjustment;
• cons: the plastic case may seem fragile.

The CS106F device from the Russian manufacturer CS Medica is distinguished by convenient ear olives (nozzles) and the ability to use it with five cuffs for a shoulder circumference of 9 to 50 cm. This mechanical device is cheaper than many foreign analogues:

• model name: CS Medica CS-106;
• price: 870 r.;
• characteristics: there is a metal phonendoscope, a shoulder cuff – 22-42 cm, type – enlarged without a retaining ring, measurement boundaries – 20-300 mm Hg, possible inconsistencies – +/- 3 mm Hg, manometer body – metal, weight – 400 g;
• pluses: the presence of a dust filter in the pear, is cheap;
• cons: no.

Without phonendoscope

Little Doctor LD-70NR is an inexpensive metal aneroid device from a Singaporean manufacturer. The device is equipped with a metal needle valve etching and a check valve filter. It is recommended to operate at temperatures from +10 to +40 degrees and humidity from 85% and below. There are no age restrictions, but you can use the device provided that a cuff of the appropriate size is used. The tonometer LD-70NR is designed for 7 years of service:

• model name: Little Doctor LD-70NR;
• price: 730 r.;
• characteristics: shoulder cuff – 25-40 cm, material – nylon, metal manometer, dial diameter – 4.5 cm, possible inconsistencies – +/- 3 mm Hg, measurement borders – 20-300 mm Hg, weight – 237 g;
• pluses: the presence of a strainer, build quality, reasonable cost;
• Cons: you need to buy a phonendoscope separately.

Pay attention to the mechanical device from the recognized leader of Microlife (Switzerland) – BP-AG1-10. The tonometer is equipped with a needle valve, which ensures the release of air from the cuff of the device more smoothly in comparison with analogues. The kit is stored in a bag with a clasp:

• model name: Microlife BP AG1-10;
• price: 1090 r.;
• characteristics: shoulder cuff – 25-40 cm, possible inconsistencies – +/- 3 mm Hg, measurement boundaries – 0-299 mm Hg, weight – 360 g;
• Pros: storage bag, provides accurate measurements;
• cons: costs more than analogues, a phonendoscope is bought up.

With a stethoscope

Microlife BP AG1-20 – a mechanical apparatus for measuring blood pressure, which comes with a stethoscope. Designed for both medical professionals and home use. It is equipped with a pear with a needle valve, due to which air is released smoothly. The device has proven itself, like many other blood pressure monitors from the recognized leader in this field of Microlife:

• model name: Microlife BP AG1-20;
• price: 1020 p.;
• characteristics: shoulder cuff – 22-32 cm, there is a stethoscope, a bag for storage;
• Pros: bag availability, accessibility;
• cons: no.

Microlife BP AG1-40 is a mechanical instrument equipped with an enlarged pressure gauge, the design of which is combined with a discharge bulb. The latter is latex, due to which it is durable, elastic. The tonometer is designed for use in different conditions:

• model name: Microlife BP AG1-40;
• price: 1440 p.;
• characteristics: there is a stethoscope, a storage bag, cuff (shoulder) dimensions are 25-40 cm, measurement boundaries are 0-300 mm Hg, possible inconsistencies are +/- 6 mm Hg, weight 520 g;
• pluses: there is a bag, air release is smooth;
• cons: high error, cost.

AG1-30 is a device from the Swiss manufacturer Microlife with an integrated stethoscope. Designed for accurate pressure measurement in the home:

• model name: BP-AG1-30;
• price: 1270 r .;
• Characteristics: there is a built-in stethoscope, a storage bag, a cuff – 22-32 cm, measurement boundaries – 0-299 mmHg, possible inconsistencies – in the range from 0 to 4 mm Hg, weight – 450 g;
• pluses: the presence of a nylon bag with a clasp;
• cons: high error.

With age cuffs

IAD-01-2A is a mechanical tonometer with advanced equipment, which includes a set of age-specific cuffs, a storage bag and a stethophonendoscope SF-03 “ADJUTOR”, SF-01 “ADJUTOR”. The set is optimally suitable for use by doctors, for example, in kindergarten. More about the characteristics of the device:

• model name: IAD-01-2A;
• price: 5440 r.;
• characteristics: there are 2 stethophonendoscopes, an enlarged cuff – 25-42 cm, standard – 22-36 cm, children’s – 9-15 / 14-21 / 20-28 cm;
• pluses: rich equipment, comfortable belt, bag with compartments for documents;
• cons: expensive.

The mechanical aneroid device LD-80 is designed to measure pressure in children. The check valve of the blower of the device is equipped with a strainer, which is able to prevent dust from clogging the pressure gauge. This mechanical device is reliable, but it is recommended to operate it at a temperature of + 10 ° С to + 40 ° С:

• model name: LD-80;
• price: 1400 r.;
• Characteristics: there are 3 cuffs (C2N, C2I, C2C) made of cotton for the shoulder with a circumference of 7-12 / 11-19 / 18-26 cm, a manometer made of metal, the diameter of the dial is 4.4 cm. measurement limits – 20-300 mm Hg, possible inconsistencies – +/- 3 mm Hg, weight – 351 g, warranty – 1 g;
• pluses: the presence of a bag, a rich set, affordable cost;
• cons: lack of phonendoscope.

With enlarged cuff

Take a closer look at the B.WELL WM-62S mechanical blood pressure monitor with a reliable needle air valve with a smooth descent. Due to this, quiet and loud tones are easier to recognize. The supercharger and pneumatic chambers are made of high-quality latex using seamless technology. Included is a nylon bag with a clasp. The mechanical device is optimal for professional and home use:

• model name: B.WELL WM-62S;
• price: 520 p.;
• characteristics: increased cuff – 25-40 cm, measurement borders – 0-300 mm Hg, possible inconsistencies – +/- 3 mm Hg, weight – 385 g, warranty – 1 year;
• pluses: there is a convenient and soft case, low cost;
• cons: no.

Another tonometer of this category of goods is CS110 Premium from the Russian manufacturer CS Medica. Designed for use in medical practice, for example, in clinics, hospitals, ambulances, physiotherapy rooms:

• model name: CS Medica CS-110 Premium;
• price: 4200 r.;
• characteristics: there is a phonendoscope, a cuff (enlarged) without a fixing bracket – 22-39 cm, measurement boundaries – 0-300 mm Hg, possible inconsistencies – +/- 3 mm Hg, weight – 540 g;
• pluses: high-quality assembly, usability;
• cons: high cost.

Professional mechanical tonometer

Little Doctor LD-81 is a professional tonometer for taking measurements according to the Korotkov technique. Recommended for doctors working in hospitals and clinics. At home, it can be used as an adjunct to medical supervision. The mechanical device is equipped with a metal needle valve etching. It is recommended to operate at temperatures from + 10 ° С to + 40 ° С and humidity below 85%:

• model name: Little Doctor LD-81;
• price: 1170 r.;
• characteristics: enlarged adult cuff made of nylon – 25-36 cm, plastic pressure gauge, dial diameter – 6 cm, measurement borders – 0-300 mm Hg, possible inconsistencies – +/- 3 mm Hg, weight – 296 g;
• pluses: easy, there is a built-in phonendoscope;
• cons: no.

The professional classic tonometer AND UA-200 with the function of high-precision measurement is a good choice for medical professionals. The model is made of high-quality alloy, so it will last a very long time:

• model name: AND UA-200;
• price: 1149 p.;
• Characteristics: there is a Rappoport stethoscope with interchangeable parts, measurement limits – 20-300 mm Hg, possible inconsistencies – +/- 2 mm Hg, weight – 560 g, warranty – 3 years;
• pluses: excellent accuracy, the presence of a convenient cover;
• cons: no.

DS45-11 from the American manufacturer Welch Allyn with a 10-year warranty on calibration. This integrated aneroid tonometer can be rotated 360 degrees to make reading data easier:

• model name: Welch Allyn DS45;
• price: 8300 r.;
• characteristics: reusable cuff – 25-34 cm, dimensions – 53×13.5 cm, measurement boundaries – 0–300 mm Hg;
• pluses: shockproof design, durable, comfortable;
• cons: very expensive.

Desktop

As an option, you can order a tonometer in a desktop version. A relatively inexpensive purchase of Chinese-made is the Little Doctor LD100, which is equipped with a large dial. The professional pressure measuring device is equipped with a metal stethoscope, which is particularly sensitive. The supercharger check valve has a special strainer, due to which the tonometer does not become clogged with dust. The pressure gauge LD100 is directly connected to the blower blower:

• model name: Little Doctor LD-100;
• price: 1510 p.;
• characteristics: there is a stethoscope, shoulder cuff – 25-36 cm, dimensions – 14×53 cm, material – nylon, plastic manometer, dial diameter – 11 cm, measurement borders – 0-300 mm Hg, possible inconsistencies – +/- 3 mm mercury column, weight – 464 g;
• pluses: large contrast dial, valve mesh filter, dimensional marks;
• cons: costs more than analogues.

The desktop mechanical device AT-41 has an elongated tube and an enlarged dial. A distinctive feature is the stand, capable of providing a stable placement of the pressure gauge on a table or other horizontal surface:

• model name: AT-41;
• price: 1881 r.;
• Characteristics: cuff without retaining ring – 50×14 cm, gauge size – 15×15 cm, scale – from 0 to 300 mm RT. st .;
• pluses: convenient, high-quality, the ability to mount on the wall;
• cons: expensive, no phonendoscope.

How to choose a mechanical blood pressure monitor

In household use, it is more convenient to use a manual tonometer equipped with a built-in stethoscope. It is easier to operate than a conventional mechanical blood pressure monitor. It is better for a medical professional to choose a professional device, if necessary, you can give preference to a device with a set of age cuffs. When choosing, pay attention to the following criteria:

• Cost. The price of the offered tonometers varies from 700-1000 to several thousand rubles. The larger the equipment and the better the characteristics, the more expensive the purchase will cost you, therefore, initially decide on the specific goals for which you are going to buy a mechanical device.
• Range of measurements, accuracy of indicators. For most devices, the first parameter is 0-300, and the second is +/- 3 mmHg
• Warranty from the manufacturer. It is better to give preference to mechanical devices that are covered by a warranty of at least 1 year – better than 2, or even 3.
• Equipment. The larger the set, the better, but this will affect the increase in the cost of the device. It is advisable to have a special bag for easy storage and transportation.
• The quality of the rubber from which the pear, cuff, connecting tubes are made. In some kits, it is not very good, so after 2-3 years the rubber dries and begins to crumble. It is better to give preference to products of trusted manufacturers, for example, Swiss, Japanese.