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Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Does the urine concentration affect the IAP measurement?
- Yes, but only slightly. Within the normal range of urine concentration an underestimation of 2,8% is possible.
Do clinicians interpret measurements differently?
- Yes, a question of temperament. Some may read to the nearest graduation whereas others may read 14.6 mmHg for example
In an ideal world, should 20 ml be deducted from the patients fluid chart after UnoMeter Abdo-Pressure™ has been applied and primed with saline?
- Yes, but it should only be once every 7 days unless the patient is anuric and it is difficult to identify exactly when it would cause an affect on the urine output
- The IAP tube should always be filled with fluid and shouldn’t be emptied at any time. The tube contains 20 ml of fluid
Unometer Abdo-Pressure is a steady-state monitoring device. What does this mean?
- Unometer Abdo-Pressure monitores IAP as a instant measurement at a user defined interval conducted by the healthcare professionals.
If the urine column in the manometer tube descends very slowly during the IAP measurement, what is likely to be the cause?
- If stabilizing the column takes more than 20-30 seconds, this indicates a blocked or kinked Foley catheter
It is impossible to establish exactly the same zero reference point every time - to what degree does this affect the accuracy of the IAP reading?
- The height of the zero reference point decides the IAP reading
- It should be at bladder level
- If the zero point is moved one inch up or down this will result in an IAP value of plus or minus 2 mmHg
- Many users make a reference mark on the patient's hip at the symphysis pubis level and use as a guide for every IAP reading (at end-expiration)
- Remember that TRENDS are key to IAP monitoring and therefore small isolated discrepancies should not be significant enough to ultimately change the patient treatment
The patient cannot lie in complete supine position – can I use UnoMeter Abdo-Pressure™ anyway?
- Yes, most ICU patients will have a 20-30° head elevation
- Ideally, measure once in the complete supine position, followed by the 20-30° head elevation position and note the difference (typically about 2 mmHg)
- Leave the patient in this position and monitor the trend, remembering that all the values will be a slight overestimate as per the previously recorded value
Can I use UnoMeter Abdo-Pressure™ on children?
- Yes, on children over 10 kg/22 lbs bodyweight.
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