[Blood pressure measurement using the fingers].

An increasing number of devices for self-assessment of blood pressure has been developed over the past years. Accepted international standards for evaluation of such devices are still lacking. A new apparatus (T88, Marshall Electronics) measuring blood pressure on digital arteries by oscillometry was tested for accuracy. Comparative measurements in 36 patients indicated position-dependent results with a reasonable correlation with the measurements taken on the upper arm only if the device was used at the level of the heart. Significant differences for systolic values were noted on different phalanges. In a last series of measurements, comparing values obtained about the basal phalanges of the index positioned at the level of the heart, significant differences were found for systolic and diastolic values compared to the traditional measurement. The use of this device for evaluation of hypertension, monitoring of treatment or use in studies is thus not recommended.