Instances of erroneous blood pressure readings have been reported in a singular Facility. This is reportedly because of Welch Allyn vital sign machines losing seal at the juncture of the hose and the adapter/fitting for the blood pressure cuff. Reports have indicated that the failed seal results in devices losing pressure on higher blood pressure measurements, resulting in the need to retrieve and try multiple devices
Some departments have reinforced the seal with tape, which is not clinically advised by either Welch Allyn or GE Critikon manufacturers. Currently, the original fitting is removed and an adapter is being inserted that allows the Welch Allyn device to connect to GE Critikon blood pressure cuffs. Although this is common practice, it appears there is a general unawareness of any standard, manufacturer-recommended processes to insert the adapter in a way that successfully maintains a seal.
Please ensure you are following the facility established process for affixing the adaptors and GE Critikon blood pressure cuffs to the Welch Allyn machines.
Thank you for ALL YOU DO!
