Which ADC Aneroid Is Right for Me?

Unlike choosing a stethoscope where the selection often comes down to personal preference and budget, aneroid sphygs are produced in vastly different designs for fairly specific applications.

Let’s start by identifying the three basic aneroid designs – pocket, palm and clock. These descriptions refer to the gauge portion of the instrument.

Pocket sphygs

Generally, the least expensive and most popular. Pocket designs are the most compact and portable – hence the nickname pocket. They are purchased by students, nurses, physicians, hospitals, nursing homes and EMTs. Quality pocket aneroids typically carry an MSRP from about $30 to $225.

An ADC palm aneroid sphygmomanometer unit.

Palm sphygs

Most commonly used in multicuff solutions and thus popular in EMS, and clinics – settings that treat patients of different ages and sizes thereby needing rapid access to the appropriate cuff. In the palm design, the bulb and valve are integrated into the gauge for one-hand convenience and easier connection to a different cuff. Depending on the configuration, quality palm models can cost about $95 (for a single cuff model) to over $250 (for a five cuff solution).

An ADC clock aneroid sphygmomanometer unit.

Clock-style aneroids

Typically found in physician offices, hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. The larger gauge (typically a 6” dial) is designed for viewing from a distance. They can be wall mounted, desk top, or mounted on roll stands for mobility. MSRP varies from about $125 for a quality wall model to about $400 for the mobile design.

Because pocket-style aneroids are the most popular, they are often produced at multiple price points with different feature sets and warranties to meet budgetary constraints. We recommend you purchase the best instrument you can afford.

Choosing Your Pocket Aneroid

An ADC pocket aneroid sphygmomanometer unit.

Top-of-the-line models typically offer enhanced gauge features such as premium chrome plating, extended scale plates to eliminate parallax, and luminescent dials for easier viewing. The cuffs typically feature extensive marking systems to assist in placement and prevent mis-cuffing. They should conform to AAMI and AHA sizing guidelines. Valves are often oversized for improved ergonomics and feature filter screen protection. Lifetime calibration warranties are typically provided. They can run $65 to over $200. These are most popular with individual buyers, and with minimal care and maintenance, may be the only instrument they’ll ever need to purchase.

Mid-priced units typically have a gauge with a more traditional enamel finish and fewer, if any, advanced features. The cuffs typically feature extensive marking systems to assist in placement and prevent mis-cuffing. They should conform to AAMI and AHA sizing guidelines. Valves are often oversized for improved ergonomics and feature filter screen protection. Lifetime calibration warranties are typically provided. MSRP is generally $50 to $100. Popular with individual buyers looking to spend a bit less.

Entry level instruments typically cut back further on the enhanced gauge features. Cuffs may be less extensively marked. The standard size valves generally don’t include filter protection. Calibration Warranties are generally 10 to 20 years. MSRP is generally about $30. Purchased primarily by institutional customers that tend to purchase in large quantities, or by individual caregivers that don’t expect to use the devices extensively, and don’t need all of the whistles and bells of the better instruments.

ADC manufactures dozens of models in hundreds of model options for every segment of the healthcare market with MSRP’s from about $25 to nearly $400.

*Bold selections are the most popular.
**Click on the model number to go to that sphyg's page