If you are taking your blood pressure regularly, you might one day get strange readings and wonder if they are even accurate. There could be many reasons that you are, in fact, getting inaccurate readings. Before you start to get worried, there are some steps that you can take. This page will cover what steps you should take to ensure that the readings are accurate and what you can do to fix the device if it is not working correctly.
1. Compare Readings with Another Monitor
If you have determined that your digital blood pressure monitor is giving inaccurate readings, the first step is to confirm that the readings are off. To do this, you will need another blood pressure monitor.
The best way to determine where the inaccuracy is coming from is to test it against another digital blood pressure monitor. This can be a digital arm monitor, digital wrist monitor, or even an old-fashioned manual one if you have one of those around the house. If your device shows similar readings as the other digital blood pressure monitors, then it is probably not the device itself that is broken.
2. Replace the Batteries
Try to replace the batteries before you start to worry that the digital blood pressure monitor is completely broken. Frequently, this is the easiest solution for a digital blood pressure monitor that isn't working correctly.
If you have just replaced the batteries and are still getting inaccurate readings, then there are still other ways you can try to troubleshoot what is going on with your electronic blood pressure monitor.
3. Recalibrate the Monitor
If you have tried the first two steps and your digital blood pressure monitor is still inaccurate, it might be time to recalibrate the device. This can be done by following the manufacturer's instructions found in the user manual. Some devices will require using a specific type of cuff for calibration. It is essential that you use the correct cuff size for your digital blood pressure monitor, as this can also affect the accuracy of the readings.
If recalibrating your digital blood pressure monitor does not help improve the accuracy of the readings, then it is becoming more likely that you need to replace the device altogether.
4. Check the Cuff Tightness
Although this might seem like common sense to many people, some think that their digital blood pressure monitor is broken and gives up too quickly. A digital blood pressure monitor will not be very accurate if the cuff is not tight enough on your arm.
5. Ensure Cuff is Inflating Fully Without Holes
If the digital blood pressure monitor is still not accurate after trying all of the steps listed above, there may be small holes in the cuff. This will cause air to escape and give you inaccurate readings. A simple way to check for holes is to dip the inflatable parts of the cuff into a small pool of water. Be sure not to touch any electronic components on the water, though! Be sure also to thoroughly dry the cuff before using it again.
6. Read the User Manual
You might be surprised to find that all of the answers you have been looking for are actually in your digital blood pressure monitor's user manual. If there is an error code on your digital monitoring device, it will tell you what specific problem needs fixing. The best way to fix a digital blood pressure monitor with problems is often by reading the instruction manual.
7. Check for Damage on the Device
If you have tried everything and your digital blood pressure monitor is not giving accurate readings, the device might be damaged. You can check for any physical damage or problems with the digital blood pressure monitoring device by looking at all of its parts. If there is any noticeable damage, it might be time to replace the digital blood pressure monitor.
8. Contact the Manufacturer
If your digital blood pressure monitor is not working correctly, the best thing you can do is contact the manufacturer. Most digital blood pressure monitors have a warranty that covers any errors with readings or other problems with the device. Suppose there are no physical signs of damage on your digital blood pressure monitoring device, and it still isn't giving accurate readings. In that case, the manufacturer might be able to help you troubleshoot the problem.
9. Use the Device on Another Person
If you have tried all of the steps listed above and your digital blood pressure monitor still does not seem accurate, something might be wrong with the device itself. One way to test this theory is to use another person's digital blood pressure monitoring device. This is another easy way to determine if the problem is specifically with the electronic blood pressure monitor or the person using it.
10. Get a Different Monitor
If you are still unsatisfied with the digital blood pressure monitor, it might be time to try something new. Talk with your doctor about getting another more accurate one or ask friends and family for suggestions – maybe they have an electronic blood pressure monitor that they know holds up well for years.
11. Have the Device Checked by a Professional
If you have tried everything and your digital blood pressure monitor is still inaccurate, it might be time to take things one step further. You can schedule an appointment with your doctor or a technician at any digital health clinic to check for potential problems with your digital blood pressure monitor.
Want to Buy a New Electronic Blood Pressure Monitor?
Although it is possible that your digital blood pressure monitor is not accurate, there are several things you can do before concluding that the device is faulty. If you have tried all of the steps listed on this page and still have inaccurate readings, it might be time to replace your digital blood pressure monitor.
As mentioned, Wizard Research has electronic blood pressure monitors for sale to suit anyone's needs. If you are looking for a digital blood pressure monitor that is portable or one with extra features, we have some great options to check out.