Choosing the Best ABPM Device for Your Practice

Accurate hypertension diagnosis is more important than ever in UK primary care. With the NHS rolling out the Hypertension Case-Finding Service and NICE recommending Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) as the first-line diagnostic tool in guideline NG136, practices are under pressure to choose the right equipment.

ABPM provides a full 24-hour profile of a patient’s blood pressure, helping to identify fluctuations, assess treatment effectiveness, and detect white coat or masked hypertension. At Primary Care Supplies, we supply a curated range of NHS-approved monitors, including models from Microlife, Seca, and A&D.

This guide compares four of the most reliable ABPM devices for general practice:


Why Use ABPM in Primary Care?

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is used to take measurements at regular intervals throughout the day and night- usually every 15–30 minutes during waking hours and hourly overnight. This allows GPs to:

  • Accurately confirm or rule out hypertension

  • Reduce overdiagnosis caused by white coat effect

  • Detect nocturnal hypertension, which is often missed in-clinic

  • Personalise and adjust antihypertensive medication

  • Provide objective evidence for treatment decisions

  • Support structured QOF and IIF reporting

ABPM also improves patient engagement by giving a clearer picture of their cardiovascular risk, which enhances shared decision-making.


How to Choose the Right ABPM Device for Your Practice

When selecting an ABPM monitor, consider the following key features:

Feature Importance
Validation Ensure BHS or ESH clinical validation for accuracy
Comfort Silent inflation and small device size improve compliance
Software Data export and reporting tools for audit and EMIS/SystmOne integration
Durability Essential in multi-patient primary care settings
Accessories Extra cuffs (S, M, L), cases, straps
Connectivity USB, Bluetooth or Infra-Red for easy data transfer

Microlife WatchBP O3- Clinical Simplicity and Proven Accuracy

ABPM

The WatchBP O3 is an easy-to-use, NHS-approved ABPM monitor designed specifically for primary care. It has preset measurement schedules (day/night) and includes software for generating printable reports.

Features and Specifications:

  • Clinically validated to BHS and ESH protocols

  • Detects Atrial Fibrillation
  • Quiet inflation pump (ideal for overnight use)

  • Adjustable measurement intervals

  • USB interface for PC connectivity

  • Includes free WatchBP Analyzer O3 software for automatic analysis and NICE-compliant summaries

  • Lightweight and portable, increasing compliance

  • Available with adult and large adult cuffs

Use case: Ideal for GP practices and PCNs offering the Hypertension Case-Finding Service, where ease of use, low maintenance and data accuracy are priorities.


Seca Screen 300- Advanced Reporting and Durability

SECA SCREEN 300

The Seca Screen 300 is a highly durable, feature-rich monitor designed for busy clinical environments. It includes advanced software and full PC connectivity for fast, accurate reporting.

Features and Specifications:

  • Validated for clinical use with high accuracy

  • Bright LCD screen with real-time user feedback

  • Compatible with Seca analytics software

  • Preset and customisable schedules (including sleep times)

  • Operates quietly with comfortable cuff pressure levels

  • Battery life supports full 24–48 hour operation

  • Adult, small adult, and large adult cuffs available

  • Secure data export to EMIS/SystmOne

Use case: Ideal for high-volume surgeries, nurse-led hypertension clinics, and practices focused on audit-ready data and software integration.


A&D TM-2441- Advanced Tracking and Lightweight Design

ABPM

The TM-2441 is one of the lightest and most comfortable ABPM devices available. It includes a built-in 3-axis accelerometer to track physical activity and posture alongside blood pressure, giving clinicians a richer data profile.

Features and Specifications:

  • Weighs just 135g (device only)

  • Includes motion sensors for posture/activity tracking

  • Bluetooth and USB connectivity

  • Offers up to 300 readings per session

  • Suitable for adult and paediatric use

  • Uses UA-767 Plus algorithm (same as A&D’s validated BP devices)

  • Quiet operation and long battery life

Use case: Perfect for practices supporting young patients, those with high activity levels, or offering extended patient monitoring beyond 24 hours.


A&D TM-2240- Practical and Cost-Effective

ABPM

The TM-2240 is a durable and compact ABPM device suited for standard hypertension screening and follow-up. While simpler than the TM-2441, it still provides clinically accurate data and is ESH validated.

Features and Specifications:

  • Compact, lightweight design (140g)

  • Validated by ESH for clinical accuracy

  • USB PC connectivity

  • Cuff sizes: standard adult and optional large

  • Durable casing for repeated clinic use

  • Up to 250 readings stored per session

Use case: Excellent entry-level device for practices offering ABPM on a smaller scale or those starting up an in-house hypertension diagnosis service.


Supporting the NHS Hypertension Case-Finding Service

All four devices are compatible with the NHS-funded Hypertension Case-Finding Service, which encourages early detection of high blood pressure in adults aged 40 and over. By offering ABPM after a raised reading in clinic or pharmacy, practices can:

  • Prevent unnecessary treatment from false positives

  • Ensure medication is only prescribed when truly needed

  • Detect nocturnal and masked hypertension

  • Improve QOF reporting accuracy

  • Provide clinically auditable evidence during CVD reviews

We also offer additional supplies such as carry cases, replacement cuffs, instructional materials, and training support if required.


Why Buy ABPM Devices from Primary Care Supplies?

We are a trusted NHS supplier with over a decade of experience supplying diagnostic devices across the UK. Our ABPM offering includes:

  • NHS-approved and clinically validated monitors

  • Fast UK-wide shipping

  • Competitive pricing with PCN and bulk discounts

  • Training and after-sales support

  • Official supplier accounts for ICBs, PCNs, Federations and surgeries

Browse our full range of ABPM monitors or get in touch for a tailored quote.


Final Word

The right ABPM device for your practice does more than meet NICE guidelines. It improves diagnosis accuracy, supports patient safety, and ensures your service remains compliant and efficient. Whether you choose the clinical simplicity of the Microlife WatchBP O3, the detailed insights of the A&D TM-2441, or the versatility of the Seca Screen 300, you can trust that every model we supply is designed for confident use in UK primary care.

Let us help you make an informed choice and elevate your hypertension service with the best equipment available.

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