Why is it necessary to be so specific about cuff location, size and fit?
A. As suggested above, providing the user the ability to select the species (dog or cat) and the cuff site (forearm, tail or hind foot) while using the petMAP is unique and significantly improves the accuracy when petMAP readings are compared to direct intra-arterial pressure measurements. While taking BP in companion animals is both a science and an art, having specific optimizations for species and cuff site strengthens the scientific side of the requirements for accurate measurements. Being specific by setting both the species and cuff site location gives a much improved correlation with intra-arterial BP and hence the BP displayed is useful for diagnosis or treatment evaluation. We know getting good BP readings is difficult, so we want to make sure if the vet or tech is going to the trouble of getting BP, it is as accurate as possible. The best accuracy is achieved by 1) using the proper cuff size, 2) the proper settings for species and cuff site, and 3) by using the nominal sessio
