Size Dimension Chart for Reference Cuff Validation and Limitations in Current Recommendations.

Background: International standards used for device validation protocols require that the reference cuff conforms to a width and length that is 37 to 50% and 75 to 100% of the arm circumference, respectively. However, there is no published chart of appropriate width and length dimensions across the range of arm circumferences. The objective of this report was to create a chart that could be used to guide reference cuff selection and compare recommended dimensions with two common cuff systems.

Methods: Arm circumferences, ranging from 22 to 52 cm were used to create a reference table for width and length requirements. Arm circumferences were grouped following the American Heart Association (AHA) recommendation for cuff sizes. Cuff dimension data was extracted from the website of a cuff system commonly used for validations (the Baum Corporation). Both the AHA recommendations and Baum sizes were compared with the recommended reference dimensions.

Results: There were discrepancies in size naming conventions between the Baum Corporation and the AHA cuff systems. Moreover, there were gaps in both systems where the cuff would not be recommended for validation (31-32 cm for Baum and 30-31 cm for the AHA). Neither system had cuffs that could be used for the largest arm circumferences.

Conclusions: This chart highlights the need for more than one cuff system in validation studies and the critical need for cuffs that could be used for validation among larger arm circumferences.