Operator's Manual

6.2 Non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP)
Tempus Pro User/Operator Manual - 41-2001EN-00 – Page 81
6.2.1 Getting started
The Tempus is intended to be used to take non-invasive blood pressure readings from neonates, children,
small adults, adults and large adults. Blood pressure measurements can be affected by the position,
physiologic condition, or activity level of the patient, who should be seated, standing or lying down
depending on the usage model for the device or procedure being performed on the patient. If the patient is
seated, they should have legs uncrossed, feet flat on the floor and back and arms supported. If the patient is
lying (supine) they should not have their legs crossed.
The patient should be comfortable, relaxed as much as possible and not talking during the NIBP
measurement. Before taking the first measurement, a period of at least 5 minutes should elapse to give time
for blood pressure stabilization. When the pressure in the cuff increases, the patient should avoid excess
movement during measurements. Let the cuffed arm hang or lay loosely, slightly away from the body. Avoid
flexing the muscles or moving the hand and fingers of the cuffed arm. Avoid having the cuff or the hose next
to vibrating surfaces.
The patient should be advised to relax as much as possible and not talk during the measurement procedure.
The operator should be positioned in their normal operating position.
To take a non-invasive blood pressure reading, remove the cuff from the rear of the device. If a cuff is not
attached to the hose, or the hose is not attached to the Tempus then make the necessary connections (twist
and lock for the cuff and push/latch to attach the hose).
Ensure the cuff is wrapped firmly around the limb with the cuff placed centrally between the two joints of the
limb i.e. 2-5 cm above the elbow joint or 5-10 cm above the knee. Ensure the end of the cuff wraps around
within the two range lines – if it does not then use a different cuff. Ensure the cuff’s artery marker is placed
over the position of the artery e.g. between the bicep and the tricep for the brachial artery on the arm.
Ensure the hose is not kinked, crushed or damaged.
Remember to place the middle of the cuff at the same level as the right atrium of the heart. Placing the cuff
substantially higher or lower than the heart will result in incorrect readings.
Remember that there may be differences in results between arms and legs, left and right side and can be
affected by the patient’s position (sitting, standing, lying down), exercise or their physiologic condition.
Once the cuff is attached, press the start button shown within the Blood Pressure area. The reading can be
stopped at any time by pressing the button again (it will be labelled STOP).
If an unexpected reading is obtained, wait for a brief period and then take the reading again having checked
the hose for leaks and kinks, the correct placement of the cuff and the patient’s orientation.
Remember that the pressure reading can be affected by common arrhythmias such as atrial or ventricular
premature beats or atrial fibrillation, arteriosclerosis, poor perfusion, diabetes, age, pregnancy, pre-
eclampsia, renal diseases, patient motion, trembling, shivering etc.
6.2.2 Taking readings
While the cuff is inflating and deflating, the icon in the start button will change to reflect the status of the
reading i.e.:
 Cuff is inflating;
 Cuff is deflating.