Noninvasive blood pressure measurements with single and twin-hose systems--do mixtures matter?

Noninvasive blood pressure monitors which use twin- and single-hose cuffs complicate the movement of patients between bed spaces with different cuff-hose systems. We assessed, using a commercially available noninvasive blood pressure monitor function analyser, the use of single-hose cuffs coupled via a Y-piece adaptor to the twin-hose of noninvasive monitors designed for use with twin-hose cuffs. Assessments were made at three simulated pressures (200/150 mmHg, 120/80 mmHg, and 60/30 mmHg) and at normal and weak arterial pulsations. The use of a single-hose cuff attached with the Y-piece adaptor did not adversely affect the performance of the monitors.