Effectiveness and feasibility of using a physical barrier device in reducing rates of microbial contamination of sphygmomanometer cuffs

Abstract

phygmomanometers are frequently contaminated with bacteria and are implicated in the transmission of microbes. A pilot study was conducted to determine the effectiveness and feasibility of using a physical barrier device in reducing rates of microbial contamination of sphygmomanometer cuffs. Blood pressure recordings were made with and without a disposable plastic device on healthy individuals to ensure that it did not interfere with the accuracy of readings. Baseline rates of microbial colonisation of sphygmomanometer cuffs were obtained over a six week period. For six weeks the device was applied to patients’ arms before measuring blood pressure, and sphygmomanometer cuffs were recultured during the intervention period. No difference was found in blood pressure recordings with and without the device. No difference in rates of bacterial contamination was observed during the intervention phase of the study. A disposable plastic device acting as a physical barrier may not reduce surface contamination of sphygmomanometer cuffs.