A validation study of the instromedix Baro-Graf QD home blood pressure monitor.

Overview

The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of the Instromedix Baro-Graf QD home blood pressure monitor. Forty subjects were divided among three blood pressure (BP) groups: low (BP less than 110/70, N = 11); medium (BP 110/70 to 140/90, N = 17) and high (BP greater than 140/90, N = 12). Five seated readings were taken per subject. We examined the differences between simultaneous auscultatory and machine readings and assessed the machine's accuracy using ANOVA and correlation analysis. The results show that the device, while highly accurate, tended to become less so as pressure increased. However, its accuracy was superior compared to most other devices we have tested, and because of features, such as a computer memory that stores events and blood pressure over time, this monitor will likely be a useful tool for clinical trials of long term blood pressure change.