Is mercury sphygmomanometer safe?

Accidental exposure to mercury from sphygmomanometers used in healthcare settings is extremely rare. It is true that there have been a few isolated instances of illness in children from mercury toxicity related to broken elemental mercury-containing instruments used in homes.

Why are mercury blood pressure gauges rarely used?

While mercury is still accepted as the ‘gold standard’ for routine clinical measurement, it suffers from two deficiencies: poor observer technique, and problems due to poor maintenance of the devices.

What is the main purpose of a sphygmomanometer?

Sphygmomanometer, instrument for measuring blood pressure. It consists of an inflatable rubber cuff, which is wrapped around the upper arm and is connected to an apparatus that records pressure, usually in terms of the height of a column of mercury or on a dial (an aneroid manometer).

Is it safe to use a mercury sphygmomanometer?

Devices which register pressure using a mercury column were the routine choice for many years, and are still the “gold standard” for blood pressure readings. However, mercury is toxic, and mercury-containing products are being banned or phased out.

What do you need to know about a sphygmomanometer?

What is sphygmomanometer? A sphygmomanometer is an instrument used to measure blood pressure which is also known as a blood pressure meter or blood pressure gauge or blood pressure monitor.

How does a mercury sphygmomanometer measure blood pressure?

It consists of an electronic sensor to measure the blood pressure and the readings are displayed on the digital monitor. In order to measure the blood pressure, the instrument measure the fluctuations of arteries. These need to be checked using a mercury sphygmomanometer to avoid inaccurate readings.

Which is more accurate aneroid or mercury sphygmomanometer?

Because it’s so simple – just a column of mercury – it has fewer moving parts and therefore, less that can go out of whack and put it out of calibration. That’s why it’s so accurate. Aneroid sphygmomanometers use a spring device and metal membrane to transmit the pressure from the air bladder. These are located in the round dial gauge.