METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING VALUES OF PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS

摘要

Apparatus for measuring a physiological parameter of a patient, such as bloo d pressure, takes a sequence consisting of a predetermined number of individua l measurements. The apparatus computes a best estimate of the physiological parameter from values obtained in two or more of the measurements. The apparatus automatically takes a sequence of measurements and then stops. The apparatus can operate unattended so that it is not necessary for a physician or other health care worker to be present while measurements are being made. The use of the invention to measure blood pressure of a patient reduces the effect of "white coat" hypertension on the best estimate. Preferred embodiments of the apparatus ignore results of a first measurement in the sequence. The patient is already familiar with the apparatus when subsequent measurements are taken. This further reduces the possibility that the patient's reaction to the process of measurement will affect the results of the measurement.