Review of methods & simulators for evaluation of noninvasive blood pressure monitors.

Automated noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) monitors have found widespread use both inside and outside clinical environments in recent years. Present methods for evaluating the measurement accuracy of this class of devices involve population studies that are meticulous, time-consuming and costly. These methods are also impractical for routine evaluation. NIBP simulators offer an alternative approach to evaluating automated NIBP monitors without directly using human subjects. They enable evaluation to be carried out on demand with little training, providing a safe and convenient way for manufacturers and hospitals to validate the performance of both new and existing monitors.