ESH International Protocol Revision 2010

The International Protocol for the validation of blood pressure measuring devices in adults was revised by the European Society of Hypertension in 20101. A number of modifications in the revised protocol acknowledge that device accuracy has improved with technological advancements, and the passing criteria have been raised to ensure that only the best devices are recommended for clinical use. It superseded the original protocol for new studies that began since 1st July 2010 and it will supersede it for publications from 1st July 2011. Any studies, using the original protocol, that are currently being completed must be published before that date.

 With the approval of Blood Pressure Monitoring, the protocol is available here for downloading. The effect of the International Protocol revisions on device accuracy have been evaluated by comparing the accuracy of devices evaluated by the previous and the revised protocol2.

1.      O’Brien E, Atkins N, Stergiou G, Karpettas N, Parati G, Asmar R, Imai Y, Wang J, Mengden T, Shennan A; on behalf of the Working Group on Blood Pressure Monitoring of the European Society of Hypertension. European Society of Hypertension International Protocol revision 2010 for the Validation of Blood Pressure Measuring Devices In Adults. (Download PDF) Blood Press Monit 2010;15:23–38.
2.     O’Brien E. European Society of Hypertension International Protocol for the validation of blood pressure monitors: a critical review of its application and rationale for revision. Blood Press Monit 2010; 15:39–48.