NIMT and APLMF/APMP jointly organizes “Training Course on Sphygmomanometers” under the MEDEA 3.0: Metrology – Enabling Developing Economies in Asia – National Institute of Metrology (Thailand)

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), by Pol.Lt.Gen Pornchai Suteerakune, Director of NIMT, together with Mr. Anusorn Tomueanwai, Deputy Director, Dr. Jariya Buajarern, Head of International Relations Office and NIMT staffs warmly welcomed the participants of “Training Course on Sphygmomanometers” under the Project “Strengthening regional cooperation in the Asia-pacific region MEDEA 3.0 : Metrology – Enabling Developing Economies in Asia”, organized by NIMT and APLMF/APMP during 9-11 July 2024 at Centara Grand at Central Ladprao Hotel, Bangkok.

This training aimed to transfer knowledge in the international standard methods and requirements for Sphygmomanometers to members of APLMF and APMP to be used as a guideline for Type approval, Verification/Testing in each country. Most of the participants were from NMIs which operated in science metrology and legal metrology including representatives from Thailand : National Institute of Metrology (NIMT) and Weights and Measures Division, Department of Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce.

The main topics of this training consisted of:

Lecture on standard methods : OIML R148 and OIML R149
Lecture on Chinese standard method according to JJG692-2010 including procedures, instruments and related equipment
Practical training on sphygmomanometers according to Chinese standard method (JJG692-2010) in three topics: MPE test, Leak Test and Repeatability of blood pressure indicator by using NIMT instruments
Lecture on calculation of results, uncertainty assessment and reporting of measurement results

In addition, this training also presented the progress of research on traceability system for NIBP Simulator calibration conducted by the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS).

The main international guidelines presented in this training were OIML Recommendation R 148: Non-invasive non-automated sphygmomanometers and OIML Recommendation R 149: Non-invasive automated sphygmomanometers, which were the main standard methods used for Type approval, Verification/Testing of sphygmomanometers. In addition, the Chinese standard method, JJG692-2010, based on the above two international standards, was presented for domestic use.

The conclusion of this training was very beneficial to the participants in understanding the standard methods of Type approval, Verification/Testing for sphygmomanometers in both theoretical and practical aspects, as well as creating traceability of such testing. The participants would be able to apply it in their own countries. NIMT participants also gained knowledge and understanding of the standard methods, the implementation guidelines of China, and most importantly, they used guidelines for developing a traceability system for testing the repeatability of blood pressure indicator according to the standard methods in order to support the certification of quality system in the country.

9 July 2024 : Lecture session at Centara Grand at Central Ladprao Hotel, Bangkok