Validation of the Omron HEM-650 wrist blood pressure device using the British Hypertension Society protocol in emergency patients in Hong Kong

Aims. Automated wrist cuff blood pressure (BP) devices are more compact and easier to use, particularly when access to the upper arm is restricted, for example in emergencies. Methods. We tested the Omron HEM-650 wrist device using the validation criteria of the British Hypertension Society (BHS) protocol in a major emergency department (ED) in Hong Kong. 85 patients had three measurements each by both the Omron HEM-650 wrist device and the mercury sphygmomanometer. The conventional automated BP with arm cuff was also measured using an oscillometric (Colin BP-88S NXT) device for comparison. Results. The Omron HEM-650 achieved a grade B for both systolic and diastolic BP and demonstrated acceptable accuracy and reliability in Chinese patients in the emergency setting. Conclusions. The Omron HEM 650 wrist device can be recommended for use in adult emergency patients. Further research is warranted for its use in pregnant women and critically ill patients