bad sphygmomanometer?

[EMTBWannabe]

i am an emtb student of 4 weeks. i just got a new sphyg.

when i'm inflating the cuff - i made sure the release valve was closed - as i am inflating it retains air but even before i have a chance to turn the release button the air is already leaking out...

that can't be normal right? shouldn't i have to turn the release valve before the air leaks out?

i need to know if i have to exchange it.

thanks
m

 

[emt_irl]

its possible that its a faulty valve

 

[EMSLaw]

its possible that its a faulty valve

It's also not all that unusual for the cuff to start deflating slowly immediately. Just give the bulb a quick squeeze to get it back up. Since you work the valve with two fingers, it's really pretty hard to get it perfectly tight while at the same time being able to smoothly open it again when you need to.

 

[Scout]

Fill it, and crimp the tube to stop a return air flow. Does it deflate?
Is there a good connection between the tube and the blub or the dial, pushed all the way in?

The next option is put the cuff and bulb below water to see if you can see bubbles as it deflates, I'm unsure how the dial and accompanying springs would react with water so best to keep them away from each other.

 

[EMTBWannabe]

It's also not all that unusual for the cuff to start deflating slowly immediately. Just give the bulb a quick squeeze to get it back up. Since you work the valve with two fingers, it's really pretty hard to get it perfectly tight while at the same time being able to smoothly open it again when you need to.

well that's the thing.. it's not all that slow even when the release valve has not been released.

thanks for your input.

 

[EMTBWannabe]

Fill it, and crimp the tube to stop a return air flow. Does it deflate?
Is there a good connection between the tube and the blub or the dial, pushed all the way in?

The next option is put the cuff and bulb below water to see if you can see bubbles as it deflates, I'm unsure how the dial and accompanying springs would react with water so best to keep them away from each other.

i'll crimp the tube.. i wouldn't put it in water only because i'll want to exchange it and i dont' think they want some moisture there... haha.

thanks for your input.