Can I wash the cuff from a blood pressure monitor?

Some people are advised to regularly measure their blood pressure, which is facilitated by a convenient device called a tonometer. However, after some time of regular use, the owner may notice that the cuff has become quite dirty and would benefit from washing. Can you wash a tonometer cuff? No, it's strictly contraindicated! What should you do then?

Washing will "kill" the cuff

The cuff is made of nylon, and it is machine washable without any problems. At the same time, the material is also very durable, wear-resistant, and does not absorb dirt, sweat, or other contaminants. However, the tonometer cuff is an integral part of the measuring device itself, and it contains an air valve with one or two tubes extending from it. The size of this chamber is precisely calibrated, and it can change during washing, so the accuracy of the readings is uncertain.

If you've already washed the cuff without knowing, don't panic. It's possible nothing serious happened. You can check the accuracy of the device at the manufacturer's service center (the most popular ones are Omron, Microlife, and B.Well). You can find out the location of the service center either from the warranty card or directly from the place where you purchased the automatic blood pressure monitor.

Important! Even if you haven't washed your blood pressure monitor, it's recommended to check its accuracy at least once every 5 years.

How to clean from dirt?

What should you do if you want to clean the cuff but can't wash it? Handy disinfectants will come to the rescue. Either 70% ethyl alcohol or 3% hydrogen peroxide will do. Take a piece of shroud or a napkin, soak it generously in the chosen solution, and thoroughly wipe the cuff surface. Let the solution dry and repeat the treatment after 15-20 minutes.

Here are a few more disinfection and storage rules to follow:

• If possible, clean the device after each use. This is especially true for the inner surface of the cuff, which is in direct contact with the skin of the forearm. Other parts of the device (tubes, stethoscope, rubber bulb, pressure gauge, etc.) can also be cleaned with an alcohol solution.
• Storage conditions: air temperature from 33 degrees below 0 to 55 degrees above 0 with air humidity no higher than 85%. The tubes and chamber must be protected from objects that could damage the device.

Please note that regular use of hydrogen peroxide may cause discoloration of fabrics and surfaces.

If the cuff is completely worn out, it's not necessary to replace the entire device. You can contact a medical equipment store and select a cuff that matches the manufacturer of your automatic blood pressure monitor. The new part costs just under $10 as of today.

In fact, the prohibition on washing the blood pressure monitor cuff isn't all that scary. The nylon it's made of is highly stain-resistant. If you store the device properly and disinfect it regularly, there's no need for a full wash. If you've already washed the device, buy a new one and avoid making the same mistake in the future.

   

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