Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring
Avoid caffeine, smoking, and exercise for 30 minutes before measuring
Empty your bladder if needed
Sit with your back supported and feet flat on the floor
Keep your legs uncrossed
Rest your arm on a table at heart level
Place the cuff on bare upper arm
Make sure the cuff fits snugly but not too tight
Position the cuff about 1 inch above the elbow
Keep still and do not talk during the reading
Turn on the BP machine
Press the start button
Wait until the machine finishes measuring
Read the systolic and diastolic numbers on the display
Record the pulse if shown
Take 2 readings 1 minute apart
Use the same arm each time unless told otherwise
Follow your doctor’s instructions for when to measure
Clean and store the machine properly after use