Determination of accuracy in neonates for non-invasive blood pressure device using an improved algorithm

BACKGROUND: New software (SuperSTAT(R) algorithm) with enhancements aimed at shorter determination times was developed for a non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) device and a clinical evaluation was conducted to verify accuracy. OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of the new algorithm according to ANSI/AAMI SP10-1992 and SP10A-1996 American National Standard for Electronic or Automated Sphygmomanometers. METHODS: The blood pressure values obtained from the test device were compared to the intra-arterial blood pressure reference standard (IBP). RESULTS: The NIBP and IBP comparisons for systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure met the 1992 ANSI/AAMI accuracy standards by being within a mean difference of +/- 5 mmHg and standard deviation of < or = 8 mmHg. CONCLUSION: Non-invasive blood pressure determinations taken with the new algorithm, developed to provide greater patient comfort due to faster determinations, were accurate when compared to neonatal IBP.