The Ability uses very small pressure signals from the cuffs to calculate the systolic pressures. The following list should be adhered to and will help to produce reliable results:

• Mobile phones, Blackberry’s etc, must be at least one metre away from the unit.

• The patient must lie supine, be relaxed and remain perfectly still.

• The patient must have an explanation of what to expect (i.e. the arm and ankle cuffs will go tight and the total test will only take about 3 minutes).

• The operator must not talk to the patient – this always prompts responses from the patient.

• The patient’s arms must be supported by the couch.

• The patient must not be pushed up against a wall.

• The arm cuffs should not be pulled in tightly against the body.

• The operator must not touch the cuffs or knock the tubing during test

• The cuffs must have the correct tension – a snug fi t (taught but not tight)

• The arm sense chamber must be located just below the elbow on the largest diameter part of the forearm.

• Check that the clothing is not too thick. The cuffs can be applied over thin shirts and socks or tights.

• The patients heels must be supported on the couch and not overhanging the end.

• When performing repeat tests on the same patient, allow at least five minutes for stabilisation between tests.