Standard operating procedure for a mercury sphygmomanometer20 May 2014Index1. Purpose………………………………32. Applicability/Scope……………….. 33. Summary of procedures………………….34. Definitions................................................................ ................ 35. Qualifications/Responsibilities of personnel.……………….…….36. Procedure6.1. Operation………….………………..46.2. Maintenance………………………………..57. Precautions7.1. Accurate measurement7.1.1. Patient preparation………………57.1.2. Surroundings………………67.2. Safe handling of the device.……………..……………….68. References……………………71. PurposeThe purpose of this standard operating procedure (SOP) is to ensure the correct use of the mercury sphygmomanometer during blood pressure measurements in this laboratory2. Applicability/Scope: This SOP is intended for use by staff and students using the mercury sphygmomanometer at the Nutrition Research Laboratory at Massey University. New Zealand.3. Summary of Procedures: Blood pressure measurements taken using a mercury sphygmomanometer involve the inflation and deflation of an occlusive bladder located inside a cuff wrapped around the patient's arm. The mercury sphygmomanometer is manually operated, with inflation via bulb and deflation via release valve, both controlled manually. The pump and control valve are connected to the inflatable bladder and sphygmomanometer.4. Definitions:4.1. Mercury sphygmomanometer: Device used to measure blood pressure. It consists of an inflatable cuff, a manual bulb with a deflation valve, and a mercury column to display the obtained blood pressure readings (Martin & McFerran...... middle of paper ......ien, E . (2001). ABC of hypertension - The pathophysiology of hypertension. British Medical Journal, 322(7291), 912-916 doi: 10.1136/bmj.322.7291.912Martin EA & McFerran TA (2014). & McFerran, T. Retrieved May 22, 2014, from http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780199666379.001.0001/acref-9780199666379-e-8425.MHRA ). Blood pressure measuring devices. Device bulletins: MHRA. Retrieved May 18, 2014, from http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Publications/Safetyguidance/DeviceBulletins/CON2024245Rudolf Riester GmbH, instructions in a familiar way: Mercurial sphygmomanometers and cuffs. Jungingen (Germany): Riester.Warrington, N (2013). Standard operating procedure: Artsana mercury sphygmomanometer, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Department of Pharmacy