Why is it important to use the correct size cuff on my patients?

SunTech Medical Cuffs are designed to meet the AAMI (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation) clinical standards for blood pressure cuffs. These standards were devised in order to ensure adequate pressure on the artery of the upper arm, which is necessary to produce an accurate blood pressure measurement. If a cuff is used on an arm larger than the specified range, the resulting reading will be falsely high. If a cuff is used on an arm that is smaller than the specified range, the resulting reading will be falsely low.

Why do Plus cuffs have a larger range than a Long cuff?

  • Range of fit depends on cuff bladder size.
  • According to the American Heart Association, the ideal cuff should have a bladder length that is 80% and a width that is at least 40% of arm circumference. [1] When arm circumference is large, these dimensions are impractical, which has prompted the AHA to suggest adjustments to the 80%/40% rule in these cases.
  • Previously, Long cuffs achieved a greater range of fit simply by providing more material to wrap around the arm. Without increasing the bladder size from the standard size cuffs, the range of fit increases, but the occlusion capability of the cuff is limited because of the limited bladder size.
  • The new Plus cuffs have a larger bladder, following the AHA guidelines for large arm circumferences. This allows for a much greater range of fit, while maintaining accuracy of blood pressure measurements.

[1] Pickering, T., Hall, J., Appel, L., Falkner, B., Graves, J., Hill, M., Jones, D., Kurtz, T., Sheps, S., Roccella, E. Recommendations for Blood Pressure Measurement in Humans and Experimental Animals. (2005). Hypertension, 45, 142-161.

What is the difference between a standard cuff and a Plus cuff (i.e. Adult and Adult Plus cuffs)?

A Plus cuff has a larger bladder size and longer length, which allows for a greater arm circumference range.

Do you offer private labeling?

For more information on corporate labeling, please contact SunTech by email or by phone:

  • US Toll Free: 1.800.421.8626
  • Main Line: 01.919.654.2300
  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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