There are many different devices available used for measuring blood pressure, but the most accurate and consistently used is the Mercury sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope. This device consists of a tube containing mercury, an inflatable rubber cuff with a rubber bulb used to inflate the cuff and the tubes used to connect the cuff with the measuring device.

While many newer machines, designed for home use perform the same function automatically, the sphygmomanometer remains the most accurate means of measuring blood pressure and despite all the new technology most physicians use the manual readings to determine a person’s precise blood pressure. Although the unit must still be used properly by a person trained in blood pressure readings, it remains the most effective and efficient method.

Many hospitals will keep an automatic device connected to a patient for measuring blood pressure but will still use the manual method for the most accuracy. With the manual method there are no moving parts, no electronics to veer slightly out of calibration and very little else to go wrong. They also require no calibration to maintain their accuracy. However, many people do use the automatic units when measuring blood pressure at home, as they are easier for one

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