Pressure gauges

How does an electronic pressure gauge measure pressure?

Electronic pressure gauges measure pressure using the oscillometric method. The oscillometric method measures the amount of vibration caused by the blood as it flows through the arteries. This vibration measurement is then converted by an algorithm in the pressure gauge into numbers (e.g. 120/80) and displayed on the digital display.

For the measurement results to be accurate with this method, the blood pressure monitor used must be clinically certified for accuracy. All OMRON pressure gauges are clinically certified and approved for their accuracy and reliability.

What are the symptoms of high pressure? What is the accuracy of OMRON pressure gauges?

All OMRON pressure gauges have strict precision specifications. These meet or exceed the provisions of the European Directive 93/42/EEC (Medical Device Directive), and the European Standard EN1060.

All OMRON blood pressure monitors are clinically certified and approved for their accuracy and reliability by internationally renowned healthcare institutions.

The OMRON pressure gauges are accompanied by a 5-year warranty of the Greek agency C. By measuring your pressure with an OMRON, you can feel safe!

Are arm pressure gauges or wrist pressure gauges more accurate?

Both types of OMRON pressure gauges have strict precision specifications. All OMRON arm and wrist calipers are clinically certified for accuracy and reliability.

The choice between an arm or wrist caliper is usually a personal one. Some people consider the small size of a wrist caliper to be an advantage while others prefer the larger buttons and larger display of arm calipers.

What size armband do I need?

It is very important that you use the right size armband for you to get accurate results when using your pressure gauge. If you use an inappropriate size armband, then the results may be inaccurate and/or the armband may be damaged.

To determine the appropriate size of an armband, you need to measure the circumference of your arm. You should periodically remeasure your arm size. This is especially necessary when you have a borderline arm size or when you have gained or lost weight.

To measure the size of your arm, use a tape measure and place it halfway between your elbow and shoulder, around your arm. Wrap the tape measure in a straight line around your arm. Note the result of the measurement and choose the appropriate armband.

Armband sizes:

  • Small armband – arm size 17-22 cm.
  • Medium armband – arm size 22-32 cm.
  • Medium-Large armband – arm size 22-42 cm.
Can I measure my blood pressure with my right hand?

Although it is recommended that you use your left hand to measure the pressure, you can also use your right hand.

On arm pressure gauges, when using your right arm, the air tube of the armband should be on the side of your elbow and in line with the left side of your palm (which is facing up).

Be careful not to press your elbow against the air tube during the measurement. The bottom of the armband should be 1-2 cm above the elbow. Fit the armband snugly, but not too tightly. If the armband is too tight or too loose, the result may not be accurate. For more information, please refer to your device’s user manual.

Why can the measurement values differ between the left and right hand?

The values of the results differ between measurement in the right and left hand. The average difference in most individuals is usually up to 10 mm Hg (millimetres of mercury column).

The user should consult their doctor before using their right hand to measure pressure. The armband is designed primarily for use on the left hand.

All precision certifications of the product have been made using the left hand.

Why is measuring pressure at home so important?

Various factors can affect your blood pressure, such as physical fatigue, emotional fluctuations, medications, stress and therefore it is important to measure your blood pressure in the comfort of your own home. Measuring at home, allows you to be in a more relaxed state and control your pressure at various times throughout the day. By monitoring your blood pressure at home, you provide your doctor with a record of measurements that helps him or her better assess the effectiveness of your treatment.

Also, many types of hypertension can only be detected when pressure is measured at home:

  • White shirt hypertension: the pressure is high in the doctor’s office and lower at home
  • Concealed hypertension: the pressure is low in the doctor’s office and higher at home

For the above reasons, doctors recommend that the patient monitor the pressure at home, with electronic pressure gauges of clinically certified accuracy.

How do I measure arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation?

Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart rhythm is irregular, due to faults in the bioelectric system that stimulates the heart rhythm. Typical symptoms are a feeling of a stopped heartbeat, premature contraction, an abnormally fast pulse (tachycardia) or an abnormally slow pulse (bradycardia).

An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) is defined as a rhythm that is 25% less or 25% more than the average rhythm detected during a measurement.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common form of irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. Atrial fibrillation episodes can be occasional or permanent. About 70% of atrial fibrillation episodes are asymptomatic and remain undiagnosed. At first atrial fibrillation appears only as an irregular heart rhythm and may be missed in sporadic visits to the doctor. For this reason its early detection is very important and can reduce the risk of stroke by 68%.

Thanks to Afib technology, the Omron M6 Comfort & Omron M6 Comfort Omron M7 Intelli IT reliably detect arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation as demonstrated in an international study* presented at the 2018 European Society of Cardiology conference.

All other Omron piezometer models (except the EM-907) reliably detect arrhythmia.

* M. Ishizawa, T. Noma, T. Minamino et al., Multiple measurements with automated blood pressure monitor can detect atrial fibrillation with high sensitivity and specificity in general cardiac patients, ESC Congress 2018

Can I use rechargeable batteries?

This is not possible. OMRON pressure gauges are designed to operate on 3 volts (for wrist pressure gauges) and 6 volts (for arm pressure gauges). The low battery indicator will light up at approximately 2.4 volts (for wrist calipers) and 4.8 volts (for arm calipers).

A fully charged rechargeable battery has a maximum voltage of 1.2 or 1.3 volts and will only work for a short time before the low battery indicator lights up.

Does my pressure gauge need maintenance?

It is recommended that the device be checked every 2 years by the technical service of C. LEOUSIS S.A.-OMRON to ensure its proper operation and accuracy.

Thermometers

From which part of the body should I take the temperature?

You can take your temperature from different parts of your body: forehead, ear, mouth, armpit and anus. Taking the temperature from the anus is considered by doctors to be the most accurate, although it is very difficult to do in practice. The normal values of temperature from the anus are approximately: 36,2 C – 37,7 C.

Measurement from the forehead is done in 1 second and is particularly easy and patient-friendly.

Measurement by ear is also extremely fast as it is completed in 1 second and very accurate.

In oral measurement, the tip of the thermometer should be placed under the tongue. Normal oral temperature values are lower than anal temperature by about 0,3 C- 0,8 C.

In the armpit, the measurement takes longer than the other methods. In adults, the results of the axillary measurement are lower than those of the rectal measurement by about 0.5 C -1.5 C. In infants, this difference is much smaller.

What is the accuracy of OMRON thermometers?

All OMRON thermometers are tested for reliability and accuracy. The measurement ranges within an accuracy of +/- 0.1 C thanks to OMRON’s high technology.

Because incorrect use of the thermometer can lead to incorrect results, you should always follow the instructions exactly.

Why should I take the temperature from the forehead or the ear?

OMRON forehead and ear thermometers are faster and easier to use than thermometers for use in the armpit/mouth/anus.

Measurements can be taken quickly and quietly and when the child is asleep. The forehead and ear thermometers provide accurate results in just 1 second!

Neutralizers

How do I clean the compressor (main unit) of the nebuliser?

To clean the nebuliser compressor, wet a soft cloth with water or mild detergent. Wipe the housing and immediately dry with a soft clean dry cloth.

Do not immerse or rinse the compressor with any liquid, harsh detergents or chemicals. Caution, the compressor is not waterproof.

Does the fogging kit need cleaning?

It is recommended to clean the nebulizer set after each use (and definitely after each day of normal use). Sterilize by boiling all parts of the nebulizer (except the tube, masks and main unit) for about 10 minutes.

Do the masks and the nebulizer mouthpiece contain latex?

The masks and the mouthpiece of the nebuliser are made of PVC and do not contain latex.

How do I change the air filter of the nebuliser?

All OMRON nebulizers, except the MicroAir U-100 model, are equipped with an air filter which is usually located under the small blue cap on the front of the nebulizer. Air filters should be changed on a regular basis to ensure proper operation of the nebulizer. After using the nebulizer, moisture is left in the air tube. How do I remove it?

Follow the procedure below:

  1. make sure that the air hose is still connected to the nebuliser
  2. disconnect the air hose from the fogging set
  3. turn on the nebulizer so that air can pass through the tube and dry it
Can the MicroAir U-100 nebulizer be used for treatment requiring continuous or intermittent flow?

The MicroAir U-100 nebulizer is designed for both cases. Follow your doctor’s instructions for the recommended treatment.