OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the conditions of sphygmomanometers in use at public and private hospitals. METHODS: A descriptive study using a quantitative- approach, undertaken in four major hospitals in the State of São Paulo, in the period between 2009 and 2010. The aneroid manometers- were tested against a calibrated mercury manometer. They were considered out of calibration when the differences were > 4 mmHg. RESULTS: We assessed 162 sphygmomanometers (78 in a public hospital and 84 from philanthropic and private institutions) and 98.1% were of the aneroid type.- It was verified that 56.2% of the manometers were not calibrated (48.6% of private hospitals and 63.1% of public hospitals). Analyzing the mean- differences of negative decalibration, there was a significant difference between the manometers of the private hospital and the public hospitals (-6.14- ± 2.66 mmHg vs. -8.97 ± 6.74 mmHg, respectively, p <0.05). It was also observed that in 70.2% there was no periodic evaluation made, 26.7% had- aged rubber extension, 20.5% presented leaking valves, and 27% of the manometers did not rest with the pointer on the zero mark. CONCLUSION: The decalibration of the aneroid sphygmomanometers was significant and may lead to incorrect evaluation of blood pressure.
Sphygmomanometers; Blood pressure determination; Equipment failure; Evaluation studies as topic; Hospital services
