Comparing Intra-Arterial, Auscultatory, and Oscillometric Measurement Methods for Arterial Blood Pressure

AIM: This study aimed to compare the measurement results of arterial blood pressure obtained through intra-arterial, auscultatory, and oscillometric methods. 

METHOD: This prospective and descriptive study was conducted with 180 patients hospitalized in the intensive care units of cardiovascular surgery and anesthesia. Arterial blood pressures of the patients in the study were measured with 3 methods, and the mean arterial pressure values obtained by each method were analyzed to find out whether they were different or consistent. 

RESULTS: The average systolic blood pressure value using the intra-arterial method was found to be 125.47 ± 21.39 mm Hg, and the average of diastolic blood pressure  measurement obtained using the oscillometric method was the highest (73.91 ± 10.62 mm Hg). The highest correlation was seen between the arterial BP measurements of the intra-arterial and auscultatory methods (systolic [0.96] and diastolic [0.90]). According to the British and Irish Hypertension Society protocol, a very good agreement between the diastolic blood pressure  values and a good agreement between the  systolic blood pressure  values were obtained.

CONCLUSION: The measurement results obtained through the auscultatory method more consistent with the results obtained through the intra-arterial method compared with those obtained using the oscillometric method.

Cite this article as: Babadağ, K., & Zaybak, A. (2021). Comparing intra-arterial, auscultatory, and oscillometric measurement methods for arterial blood pressure. Florence Nightingale J Nurs, 29(2), 194-202.