Microlife BP B2 Basic Blood Pressure Monitor
Europe / Middle-East / Africa
Microlife AG
Espenstrasse 139 9443 Widnau / Switzerland
Tel. +41 / 71 727 70 30 Fax +41 / 71 727 70 39 Email admin@microlife.ch www.microlife.com
Asia
Microlife Corporation
9F, 431, RuiGuang Road, NeiHu Taipei 11492, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Tel. +886-2-87971288 Fax +886-2-87971283 Email: service@microlife.com.tw www.microlife.com
IB BP B2 Basic EN 0220
Intended Use
This oscillometric blood pressure monitor is intended for measuring non-invasive blood pressure in people aged 12 years or older. It is clinically validated in patients with hypertension, hypotension, diabetes, pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, atherosclerosis, end-stage renal disease, obesity and the elderly.
Dear Customer
This device was developed in collaboration with physicians and clinical tests carried out prove its measurement accuracy to be of a very high standard.* If you have any questions, problems or want to order spare parts please contact your local Microlife-Customer Service. Your dealer or pharmacy will be able to give you the address of the Microlife dealer in your country. Alternatively, visit the internet at www.microlife.com where you will find a wealth of invaluable information on our products. Stay healthy Microlife!
* This device uses the same measuring technology as the award winning BP 3BTO-A model tested according to the British and Irish Hypertension Society (BIHS) protocol.
Device Components and Display Symbols
Device Components
- 1 ON/OFF button ▶️
- 2 Display ?️
- 3 M-button (memory) ?
- 4 Time Button ⏰
- 5 Cuff Socket ?
- 6 Mains Adapter Socket ?
- 7 Battery Compartment ?
- 8 Cuff ?
- 9 Cuff Connector ?
- AT Cuff Tube 〰️
Display Symbols
- AK Systolic Value ⬆️
- AL Diastolic Value ⬇️
- AM Pulse Rate ❤️
- AN Battery Display ?
- AO Traffic Light Indicator ?
- AP Stored Value ?
- AQ Pulse Indicator ?
- AR Cuff Fit Check ✅
- AR-A: Suboptimal Cuff Fit ⚠️
- AR-B: Arm Movement Indicator ?
- Err 2: Cuff Pressure Check ?
- AS Cuff Signal Indicator ? (Err 1)
- BT Pulse Arrhythmia Indicator (PAD) ??
- BK Date/Time ?⏰
Preparation
- Sit on a back-supported chair and keep your legs uncrossed.
- Avoid thick or close-fitting garments on the upper arm.
- Place the artery-mark on the cuff over your artery.
- Fit the cuff closely, but not too tight.
- Position the cuff 2-3 cm above your elbow.
- Keep your arm still and do not speak during the measurement.
Before Each Measurement
- ❌ Avoid eating, bathing, smoking or caffeine (approx. 30 min).
- ? Avoid activity and relax for 5-10 min.
- ? Measure before medication intake.
1. Using the Device for the First Time
Inserting the batteries
Open the battery compartment 7 at the bottom of the device. Insert 4 x 1.5 V, size AA batteries, observing the indicated polarity.
Setting the date and time
- After new batteries are fitted, the year number flashes. Press the M-button 3 to set the year. Press the time button 4 to confirm and set the month.
- Press the M-button 3 to set the month. Press the time button 4 to confirm and set the day.
- Follow the instructions above to set the day, hour, and minutes.
- Once minutes are set and the time button 4 is pressed, the date and time are set and displayed.
- To change the date and time, press and hold the time button 4 for approx. 3 seconds until the year number starts to flash. Enter new values as described above.
Selecting the correct cuff
Microlife offers different cuff sizes to match your upper arm circumference:
Cuff size | For circumference of upper arm |
S | 17 - 22 cm |
M | 22 - 32 cm |
M - L | 22 - 42 cm |
L | 32 - 42 cm |
L - XL | 32 - 52 cm |
Pre-shaped cuffs are optionally available. Only use Microlife cuffs. Contact your local Microlife Service if the enclosed cuff 8 does not fit. Connect the cuff by inserting the cuff connector 9 into the cuff socket 5.
2. Checklist for Taking a Reliable Measurement
- Avoid activity, eating, or smoking immediately before the measurement.
- Sit on a back-supported chair and relax for 5 minutes. Keep feet flat on the floor and do not cross legs.
- Always measure on the same arm (normally left). Doctors may perform double arm measurements on a patient's first visit to determine which arm to measure in the future. The arm with the higher blood pressure should be measured.
- Remove close-fitting garments from the upper arm. Shirt sleeves should not be rolled up if they do not interfere with the cuff.
- Always ensure the correct cuff size is used (marking on the cuff).
- Fit the cuff closely, but not too tight.
- Make sure the cuff is positioned 2 cm above the elbow.
- The artery mark on the cuff must lie over the artery on the inner side of the arm.
- Support your arm so it is relaxed.
- Ensure the cuff is at the same height as your heart.
3. Taking a Blood Pressure Measurement
- Press the ON/OFF button 1 to start the measurement.
- The cuff inflates automatically. Relax, do not move, do not tense arm muscles, breathe normally, and do not talk until the result is displayed.
- The cuff fit check AR on the display indicates cuff placement. AR-A means suboptimal fit but is still okay to measure.
- When correct pressure is reached, pumping stops and pressure falls gradually. The device may add more air if needed.
- During measurement, the pulse indicator AQ flashes.
- The result (systolic AK, diastolic AL blood pressure, and pulse rate AM) is displayed.
- Remove the cuff when measurement is finished.
- Switch off the device (it switches off automatically after approx. 1 min).
You can stop the measurement at any time by pressing the ON/OFF button 1 (e.g., if you feel uneasy or experience unpleasant pressure).
This monitor is specially tested for use in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. If you detect unusual high readings in pregnancy, measure again after a short while (e.g., 1 hour). If the reading is still too high, consult your doctor or gynecologist.
Manual inflation
In case of high systolic blood pressure (e.g., above 135 mmHg), it can be an advantage to set the pressure individually. Press the ON/OFF button 1 after the monitor has pumped up to approx. 30 mmHg. Keep the button pressed until the pressure is about 40 mmHg above the expected systolic value, then release the button.
How not to store a reading
As soon as the reading is displayed, press and hold the ON/OFF button 1 until 'M' AP is flashing. Confirm to delete the reading by pressing the time button 4. 'CL' is displayed when the reading is deleted successfully.
How do I evaluate my blood pressure?
The traffic light indicator AO on the left-hand edge of the display shows the range of the measured blood pressure value: Optimum (white), Elevated (gray), or High (black).
Range | Systolic (mmHg) | Diastolic (mmHg) | Recommendation |
Too high | > 135 | > 85 | Seek medical advice |
Elevated | 130 - 134 | 80 - 84 | Self-check |
Normal | < 130 | < 80 | Self-check |
The higher value determines the evaluation. Example: a blood pressure of 140/80 mmHg or 130/90 mmHg indicates 'blood pressure too high'.
Appearance of the Pulse Arrhythmia (PAD)
The symbol BT indicates that pulse irregularities were detected during the measurement. The result may deviate from your normal blood pressure; repeat the measurement. In most cases, this is no cause for concern. However, if the symbol appears regularly (e.g., several times a week with daily measurements), consult your doctor.
Information for the doctor on frequent appearance of the Arrhythmia indicator: This device is an oscillometric blood pressure monitor that also analyses pulse irregularity during measurement. The device is clinically tested. The arrhythmia symbol is displayed after the measurement if pulse irregularities occur. If the symbol appears more frequently, we recommend the patient seek medical advice. This device does not replace a cardiac examination but serves to detect pulse irregularities at an early stage.
4. Data Memory
This device automatically stores the last 30 measurement values.
Viewing the stored values
Press the M-button 3 briefly when the device is switched off. The display shows 'M' AP and 'A' (average of all stored values). Pressing the M-button again displays the previous value. Repeatedly pressing the M-button cycles through stored values. Blood pressure readings with suboptimal cuff fit (AR-A) are not considered in the average value. The oldest value is automatically overwritten when the memory capacity of 30 is exceeded.
Clearing all values
If you are sure you want to permanently remove all stored values, hold down the M-button 3 (device must be switched off) until 'CL ALL' appears, then release the button. Press the time button 4 while 'CL ALL' is flashing to permanently clear the memory. Individual values cannot be cleared. Press the ON/OFF button 1 while 'CL ALL' is flashing to cancel deletion.
5. Battery Indicator and Battery Change
Low battery
When batteries are approximately empty, the battery symbol AN flashes when the device is switched on (partly filled battery). The device continues to measure reliably, but you should obtain replacement batteries.
Flat battery – replacement
When batteries are flat, the battery symbol AN flashes when the device is switched on (flat battery). No further measurements are possible; replace batteries.
- Open the battery compartment 7 at the back of the device.
- Replace the batteries, ensuring correct polarity as shown by the symbols in the compartment.
- To set date and time, follow the procedure in Section 1. The memory retains values, but date and time must be reset (the year number flashes automatically after battery replacement).
Which batteries and which procedure?
Use 4 new, long-life 1.5 V, size AA alkaline batteries. Do not use batteries beyond their expiry date. Remove batteries if the device is not going to be used for a prolonged period.
Using rechargeable batteries
You can operate this device using rechargeable batteries. Use only 'NiMH' type reusable batteries. Batteries must be removed and recharged when the flat battery symbol appears. Do not leave them in the device as they may become damaged (total discharge due to low use, even when switched off). Always remove rechargeable batteries if you do not intend to use the device for a week or more. Batteries cannot be charged in the blood pressure monitor; use an external charger and observe its instructions.
6. Using a Mains Adapter
You can operate this device using the Microlife mains adapter (DC 6V, 600 mA).
Only use the Microlife mains adapter appropriate for your supply voltage. Ensure that neither the mains adapter nor the cable are damaged. Connect the adapter cable into the mains adapter socket 6 and plug the adapter into the wall socket. No battery current is consumed when the mains adapter is connected.
7. Error Messages
If an error occurs, the measurement is interrupted and an error message is displayed.
Error | Description | Potential cause and remedy |
`Err 1` ? | Signal too weak | Pulse signals on the cuff are too weak. Re-position the cuff and repeat the measurement. |
`Err 2` ? | Arm Movement Indicator | Error signals detected due to movement or muscle tension. Keep arm still and repeat the measurement. |
`Err 3` ? | Cuff Pressure Check | An adequate pressure cannot be generated in the cuff. A leak may have occurred. Check cuff connection and fit. Replace batteries if necessary. Repeat the measurement. |
`Err 5` ❌ | Abnormal result | Measuring signals are inaccurate. Read the checklist for reliable measurements and repeat. |
`HI` ⬆️ | Pulse or cuff pressure too high | Pressure > 299 mmHg OR Pulse > 200 bpm. Relax for 5 minutes and repeat the measurement. |
`LO` ⬇️ | Pulse too low | Pulse < 40 bpm. Repeat the measurement. |
* Please immediately consult your doctor if this or any other problem occurs repeatedly.
8. Safety, Care, Accuracy Test and Disposal
Safety and protection
- Follow instructions for use. Read this document thoroughly before using the device and keep for future reference.
- Use this device only for its intended purpose. The manufacturer is not liable for damage caused by incorrect application.
- This device comprises sensitive components and must be treated with caution. Observe storage and operating conditions.
- Protect it from: water and moisture ?, extreme temperatures ?️, impact and dropping ?, contamination and dust, direct sunlight ☀️, heat and cold ?❄️.
- Cuffs are sensitive and must be handled with care.
- Do not exchange or use any other kind of cuff or cuff connector.
- Only pump up the cuff once fitted.
- Do not use this device close to strong electromagnetic fields (e.g., mobile telephones ? or radio installations ?). Keep a minimum distance of 3.3 m from such devices.
- Do not use this device if you think it is damaged or notice anything unusual.
- Never open this device.
- If the device is not going to be used for a prolonged period, remove the batteries.
- Measurement results are not a diagnosis and do not replace physician consultation. Always consider other symptoms and patient feedback. Call a doctor or ambulance if needed.
- Permanently high blood pressure values can damage health and must be treated by your doctor.
- Always discuss your values with your doctor and report anything unusual or if you feel unsure. Never rely on single blood pressure readings.
- Do not alter drug dosages or initiate treatment without consulting your doctor.
- Deviations between measurements taken by your doctor or in a pharmacy and those taken at home are normal due to different situations.
- The pulse display is not suitable for checking the frequency of heart pacemakers.
- If you are pregnant ?, monitor your blood pressure regularly as it can change drastically.
- Ensure children do not use this device unsupervised; some parts are small enough to be swallowed. Be aware of the risk of strangulation ? if the device is supplied with cables or tubes.
Device care
Clean the device only with a soft, dry cloth.
Cleaning the cuff
Clean the cuff using a clean cloth with clear water or 1% condensed bleach. Allow to air dry in a shady, cool place. ⚠️ Do not wash the cuff in a washing machine ? or dishwasher ?️!
Accuracy test
We recommend this device is tested for accuracy every 2 years or after mechanical impact (e.g., being dropped). Please contact your local Microlife-Service to arrange the test.
Disposal
Batteries and electronic devices must be disposed of in accordance with locally applicable regulations, not with domestic waste.
9. Guarantee
This device is covered by a 5-year guarantee from the date of purchase. The guarantee is valid only on presentation of the guarantee card completed by the dealer or the receipt confirming the date of purchase. Batteries and parts that become worn with use are not included. Opening or altering the device invalidates the guarantee. The guarantee does not cover damage caused by improper handling, discharged batteries, accidents, or non-compliance with the operating instructions. The cuff has a functional guarantee (bladder tightness) for 2 years. Please contact your local Microlife-Service.
10. Technical Specifications
Feature | Specification |
Operating conditions | 10 - 40 °C / 50 - 104 °F; 15 - 95 % relative maximum humidity |
Storage conditions | -20 - +55 °C / -4 - +131 °F; 15 - 95 % relative maximum humidity |
Weight | 277 g (including batteries) |
Dimensions | 131 x 90 x 60.5 mm |
Measuring procedure | Oscillometric, corresponding to Korotkoff method: Phase I systolic, Phase V diastolic |
Measurement range: Blood pressure | 20 - 280 mmHg |
Measurement range: Pulse | 40 - 199 beats per minute |
Cuff pressure display range | 0 - 299 mmHg |
Resolution | 1 mmHg |
Static accuracy (pressure) | Within ± 3 mmHg |
Pulse accuracy | ± 5 % of the readout value |
Voltage source | 4 x 1.5 V alkaline batteries; size AA; Mains adapter DC 6V, 600 mA (optional) |
Battery lifetime | Approx. 920 measurements (using new batteries) |
IP20 | Protected against solid foreign particles with a diameter of more than 12.5 mm, no protection against water. |
Reference to standards | EN 1060-1 /-3 /-4; IEC 60601-1; IEC 60601-1-2 (EMC); IEC 60601-1-11 |
Expected service life: Device | 5 years or 10000 measurements |
Expected service life: Cuff | 2 years or 10000 measurements |
This device complies with the requirements of the Medical Device Directive 93/42/EEC. Technical alterations reserved.