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Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
The Need
Hypertension is one of the most significant causes of cardiovascular disease and also one of the most controllable. A major problem in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension is the blood pressure reading taken in the physician's office. Blood pressure measured in a clinical setting is frequently higher than usual as a result of "white coat hypertension" and is not always representative of the patient's actual blood pressure throughout the day.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) can solve this problem by recording multiple readings throughout a 24-hour period. ABPM assists physicians in a variety of situations:
- diagnosing essential hypertension
- assessing the severity of secondary hypertension for patients with renovascular hypertension, chronic renal disease, pheochromocytoma, Cushing's syndrome, and hyperaldosteronism
- evaluating antihypertensive therapy
- monitoring blood pressure through pregnancy
The Procedure and Analysis
Patients wear a small recording unit that is programmed to take blood pressure readings at preselected intervals. Data are stored on a silicon chip and downloaded via modem to LabCorp's receiving station after the monitor is returned to the physician. The monitor can also be picked up with other laboratory specimens and the data downloaded by AMS.
The Report
In most cases the report is immediately ready for transmission to the physician upon receipt of data. Results can be sent via facsimile, first-class mail, or LabCorp courier. Cardiology consultants are available for report confirmation.  To view a sample report.
 The Equipment (No Capital Outlay)
A Suntech Medical - Oscar Express 2 blood pressure recorder will be provided at no additional charge. The easy-to-use equipment comes with written instructions. Physicians can choose from different program options according to their equipment and volume needs.
Consumable Supplies
Hook-up kits for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring can be purchased from LabCorp.
Customer Support
Technical support is provided by AMS customer service representatives to answer any questions regarding the procedure, equipment operation, patient hook-up and reports.
Program Options
To accommodate more readily the various service needs of medical practices, AMS offers several convenient program options:
- Equipment and analysis on a monthly basis for physicians who do not own a blood pressure monitor.
- Analysis services for physicians who own a blood pressure monitor but do not have a centralized receiving and processing station.
*Pickering TG, James GD. Some implications of the difference between home, clinic, and ABP in normotensive and hypertensive patients. J Hypertens. 1989;7 (suppl 3);S65-S72.
Ambulatory Monitoring Services
2451 South Church Street
Burlington, North Carolina 27215
800-289-4358
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