Are NiMh (LSD) cells good for Digital Blood Pressure Monitors?

tatasal

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Jan 25, 2012
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I have an Omron HEM-7113 Digital Blood Pressure Monitor. The owner's manual says it requires 4 AAA 1.5V cells. Ever since I acquired it a month ago, I have been using Eneloop AAA cells in it. No "Low Batt" warning so far. Now my question is, will its accuracy be affected by using Eneloop rechargeables, or will I be better off using the Energizer's "Ultimate Lithiums" (accuracy-wise) ? I have these Energizer cells on stand-by, btw.:duh2:
 
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AnAppleSnail

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Aug 21, 2009
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My experience* with electronics in general is that with 1 cell, a low-voltage problem shows up with a dim LCD screen. My multi-cell devices pretty much all work normally with Eneloops in place of alkaleaks. My Texas Instruments complicated calculator works perfectly on NiMHs. A "Low Battery" indicator on that device means "Charge the batteries this month" (I use it infrequently). Eneloops do a great job holding a fairly high voltage, only a few tenths lower than an open-circuit fresh alkaleak.

The best option would be to contact the manufacturer and get an answer from them. If you are feeling adventurous* you might get a fairly-drained set of Eneloop AAAs and take a series of readings, alternating with alkaleaks. If you get comparable values, you might accept it as "Good enough." I have family who take blood pressure medication based on these readings. If your safety depends on good readings, please use the meter as suggested by the manufacturer.




*Please be careful with devices that you make medical decisions with!
 
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