Oscar 2 blood pressure monitor graded A for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure when assessed according to the British Hypertension Society Protocol

Abstract

As mercury spymomanometers are phased out there is an increasing need for accurate alternatives which have been validated against well recognised criteria. The OSCAR 2 is a new small and light weight ambulatory blood pressure monitor designed for clinic and home use. We undertook an assessment of the OSCAR 2 according to the British Hypertension Society (BHS) protocol. Having passed the initial phases of the protocol, relating to before and after use callibration and a field assessment, a static device validation was undertaken by three observers who, after a period of appropriatee training, achieved a high level of agreement in paired measurement of both systolic and diastlolic blood pressure. Blood pressure measurements undertaken by the trained observers were compared to those taken by a third observer using the OSCAR 2. To ensure that 85 subjects stratified for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were included, a total of 114 adults were studied. 56 subjects were included in both analyses. The subjects had the following characteristics: male sex 47.6%, mean age 54.3 (range18 - 88) years, mean arm circumference 29.2 (range 21 - 49) cm. There was very close agreement between the trained observers and the OSCAR 2, 0 mmHg for systolic and -1 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure. All readings taken by the trained observers were within 5 mmHg. As > 60% of the OSCAR 2 readings were within 5 mmHg, > 85% were within 10 mmHg and > 95% were within 15 mmHg, the final grade for the static device validation as defined by the BHS protocol was A for both SBP and DBP. As a result the OSCAR 2 can be recommended for clinical use in adults. The OSCAR 2 is the first instrument to be receive an A grading for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure using the BHS protocol and to have achieved a pass under the international protocol. (See Table) Grading criteria for OSCAR 2 - static validation Differences are between standard and OSCAR 2 Grading criteria for OSCAR 2 - static validation Differences are between standard and OSCAR 2