Copiague, New York, April 8, 1998 - Three leading authorities on hypertension have endorsed the mercury-gravity sphygmomanometer as the preferred medical instrument for blood pressure measurement. The Sixth Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure-known as "JNC 6"- states that "measurements should be taken preferably with a mercury sphygmomanometer."

"Hypertension detection begins with proper blood pressure measurements which should be obtained at each health care encounter? Blood pressure should be measured in a standardized fashion using equipment that meets certification criteria? The mercury sphygmomanometer is still the most accurate device for clinical use," the report concludes.

The accuracy of a mercury-gravity sphygmomanometer is easily proved, experts say. If the mercury rests at zero with no applied pressure and if it rises and falls freely in response to pressure changes, the instrument will give correct results over its entire pressure range. Aneroid and electronic devices must be compared to a mercury-gravity standard and need to be checked for accuracy over the entire range of pressure. If inaccuracies are detected, adjustments and repair of the devices can be complex and costly.

"The mercury-gravity sphygmomanometer provides accurate, reliable pressure readings and is preferred because it is based on the immutable law of gravity and the unique qualities of elemental mercury," says James M. Baum, Vice President of W.A. Baum Co., Inc.

W.A. Baum Company has manufactured mercury-gravity sphygmomanometers since 1916. Best known for its Baumanometer®, W.A. Baum has long set the industry standard for clinical blood pressure instruments. Its products provide reliable, repeatable, accurate readings in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and physicians' offices.