ADC DIAGNOSTIX 922 series Instruction Manual

JUST IN CASE . . .
ADC GUIDELINES
for the Proper
Maintenance,
Handling, Cleanup,
and Transportation
of Mercurial Blood
Pressure Devices

2
INT ODUCTION
Thank you for choosing an ADC DIAGNOSTIX™Mercury Sphygmomanome-
ter. We’re proud of the care and quality that goes into the manufac-
ture of each and every blood pressure instrument that bears our
name.
Only the finest materials are used to assure you of a timeless instru-
ment designed for optimum, safe performance. You’ll quickly appre-
ciate the results for you now own the most intelligently designed,
feature-rich mercurial sphygmomanometer that money can buy.
With proper care and maintenance your ADC DIAGNOSTIX™Mercury
Sphygmo manometer is sure to provide you with many years of dependable
service. This brochure answers the most frequently asked questions
about these instruments, how to maintain them, and what to do in
the unlikely event that a mercury spill should occur. Please read this
manual thoroughly and retain for future reference.
P EVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
Because the mercury units do not rely on moving parts such as metal
bellows, diaphragms, gears, or other sources of mechanical wear,
only an occasional inspection of the instrument is recommended.
A regular program of preventive maintenance will extend the life of
your sphygmomanometer. The program should include the following
simple inspection steps:
1. The mercury level in the graduated plastic tube should be at
the “0” calibration mark with the inflation system disconnected
and the mercury unit in a vertical position.
Note: If the me cu y level is below “0”, eadings ove the enti e scale
will va y only the diffe ence between the me cu y level and the “0” cal-
ib ation.
2. Airflow should be tested by partially inflating the instrument to
observe the rising column of mercury, and then slowly deflating -
stopping the column at several points - to observe the falling col-
umn.
The diaphragm filter should be replaced if the mercury does not
rise easily in the tube, or if the mercury column bounces notice-
ably.

3
EPAI ING ME CU Y LEAKS
If a mercury leak exists at the top or bottom of the plastic tube, the
silicone rubber washers, which provide a seat for the ends of the
plastic tube, should be replaced. Remove the cartridge tube. Then
use a small screwdriver to remove the old silicone rubber washers,
and replace with correct size new washer. Replace the graduated
plastic tube.
If a mercury leak exists at the bottom of the reservoir, see the follow-
ing section “How to Clean o Replace Me cu y,” which includes steps
for replacement of the reservoir gasket.
After a mercury leak has been repaired, check the level of the mercury
meniscus (the top rim of the mercury column in the plastic tube). If it is
below the “0” calibration, add enough mercury to bring it up to the
correct level. This is done by unscrewing the knurled chrome cap at
the top of the plastic tube and pouring a small amount of mercury
into the tube with the help of a small paper cone or funnel. The in-
strument is then tipped in the direction of the reservoir and returned
to a vertical position before the new mercury level is observed. Re-
peat the process as necessary to bring the mercury up to the “0” cali-
bration mark.
HOW TO CLEAN O EPLACE ME CU Y
When removing the mercury from an instrument we strongly suggest
you wear disposable rubber gloves and goggles. Be sure to remove
all jewelry. Also, an inexpensive plastic storage box makes an excel-
lent portable work station. Unscrew the knurled cap at the top of the
graduated plastic tube. Then carefully pour all the mercury into a paper
cup or glass container and tap reservoir in order to get all the mer-
cury out of the reservoir.
Note: The diaph agm filte is designed to dampen oscillations of the
me cu y du ing inflation and deflation while p eventing escape of the
me cu y. If clogged due to accidental ove inflation, it may equi e e-
placement.
3. The graduated plastic tube should be clean. If it is streaked with
mercury which has oxidized, the tube and mercury should be
cleaned as described in this booklet.
4. The inflation system, consisting of the ADCUFF™, inflation
bladder, bulb, and ADF OW™valve can be tested for air leaks.

4
Roll a small cone of ordinary copy paper, leaving a small opening at
the end of the cone, and pour the mercury through this cone into an-
other clean paper cup or glass container. Repeat a few times. Residue
will adhere to paper.
Remove the graduated plastic cartridge tube and clean it. The bore of
the tube may be easily cleaned with alcohol and a lint free pipe brush.
The outside of the tube should also be cleaned occasionally by wiping
with a damp cloth.
Replace the graduated plastic tube and return the clean mercury to
the instrument through the opening at the top of the tube, using the
paper cone described above. Check the mercury level - it should be at
the “0” line on the plastic tube with the inflation system discon-
nected and the instrument in its correct position (vertical for desk or
wall mount models, 15° incline for mobile instruments). If some mer-
cury has been lost, add enough (through the top of the plastic tube)
to bring the rim of the mercury meniscus to the “0” calibration mark.
Then replace the knurled cap at the top of the graduated plastic tube,
and screw it down firmly.
EMOVING THE G ADUATED PLASTIC TUBE
ADC’s EZ-Tube™system facilitates removal of the 5mm graduated
plastic cartridge tube. To remove, follow these steps:
1. Force mercury out of the cartridge tube by tilting instrument
TOWARDS reservoir (to the right on 922, to the back on 932, 952, or
972).
Note: The 952 must fi st be emoved f om its swivel wall b acket.
3. ift on the spring loaded EZ-Tube™mechanism located at the top
of the instrument (932, 952, 972). Tilt instrument forward to free
tube. If necessary use a small flathead screwdriver to help dislodge
the top of the tube. On 922, remove knurled top cap by turning
counterclockwise. Remove tube, by sliding upward until fully dis-
lodged.
2. Secure the mercury within the reservoir by moving the lock switch
to the “Off” position.
Note: Make su e all me cu y is out of the ca t idge tube.

5
IF A ME CU Y SPILL OCCU S . . .
FAQ (F EQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)
Why use mercury?
Mercury (Hg) is a liquid metal with very stable performance charac-
teristics. As such, mercurial blood pressure devices remain the interna-
tionally recognized standard for accuracy. Because there are no moving
parts, springs, needles, casings, or other components that may become
defective or wear with age, mercury instruments are inherently the
most reliable and accurate. With minimal care and maintenance, these
instruments should last a lifetime.
What is so special about DIAGNOSTIX™ mercury instruments?
Our exclusive Safety First™system incorporates a number of distinctive
safety features that provide you with a level of protection no other
mercurial instrument can match.
Unb eakable g aduated plastic ca t idge tube. Designed from space age
polymers, the tube exhibits remarkable performance stability. It will
not crack, craze, or shatter. Yellowing, a problem that plagued first
generation plastic tubes, is all but gone. Tolerances to .1mm assure
measurement repeatability.
Rese voi Locking Switch secures the mercury safely in the reservoir
during routine maintenance, cleaning, or transport.
EZ Tube™System simplifies the safe removal of the cartridge tube or
top cap filters for cleaning or maintenance without risking a spill.
4. To replace tube, lift EZ-Tube™mechanism and insert base of
tube into main unit, being sure graduation marks face out. Next,
position top of tube and release EZ-Tube™mechanism. On 922 re-
place by sliding down through top cap opening and position. Se-
cure top cap by turning clockwise until tight. Be sure to tighten
thoroughly.
5. Unlock reservoir and tilt instrument AWAY from reservoir forcing
mercury back into tube.
6. Check for “0” point.

6
Is Elemental Mercury dangerous?
Yes, it can be. Once vaporized, the lungs readily absorb elemental mer-
cury from inhaled air. High level acute doses and lower level chronic
doses are both causes for concern.
If accidentally ingested, very small amounts of elemental mercury will
not be absorbed by the digestive system and will be excreted.
Some forms of mercury COMPOUNDS (not the type used in blood
pressure instruments) are highly toxic and particularly dangerous.
These should NOT be confused with elemental mercury.
Because there is so little actual mercury in a mercurial blood pressure
instrument, the exposure to a spill or leakage, if properly and
promptly contained, will generally pose little if any health risk.
DIAGNOSTIX™Blood Pressure instruments use less than 2 ounces of
99.9999% pure elemental mercury.
What should I do in the event of a spill?
First, isolate the area to prevent further contamination or spread of the
spilled liquid. Spilled mercury should be picked up at once since the
mercury will vaporize rapidly and may contaminate the surrounding
air.
arger spills involving the entire contents of the mercury instrument
(about 2 oz.) may be cleaned up with a commercially made mercury
suction pump. Do not dry sweep or use ordinary vacuum cleaners on
floors exposed to mercury spills since this may produce additional
hazardous vapors.
In the unlikely event of a spill, it will most likely involve very small
amounts of just a few drops of spilled mercury. These smaller amounts
may be picked up with mercury absorbent sponges or gently swept
into a collection container using a soft bristled DISPOSAB E brush.
(Remember to dispose of the brush after use).
Carpet, crevices, and other difficult to clean areas may be cleaned using
a mercury absorbent powder that reacts with mercury to form a harm-
less amalgam.
The suction pump, sponges, and powder are available through labora-
tory and safety supply companies.
As a convenience to our customers, a mercury spi kit may be
obtained direct y from ADC by ca ing our customer service de-
partment to -free at 1-800-ADC-2670 (p/n 980SK).

7
Waste mercury should be placed in a tightly covered container and dis-
posed of in accordance with state and local environmental regulations.
As a convenience to our customers, we can help arrange returns to a
waste reclamation facility. Contact our customer service department
toll-free at 1-800-ADC-2670 for the necessary packaging supplies and re-
turn authorization.
Do not incinerate mercury or mercury compounds or dispose of down
the drain.
P ease note: iquid mercury combines with many soft metals. Jew-
elry should be removed prior to cleaning of instruments, or mercury
spills. We also recommend the wearing of latex gloves and protective
eyewear when cleaning mercury spills.
What if a mercury spill should occur and I don’t have a spill kit?
Chances are that a spill kit is on the premises. Contact your building’s
maintenance department. However if you do not have one, they can
be ordered from most laboratory safety supply houses. As a conven-
ience to our customers, a basic spill kit can be purchased directly
from ADC. Call our customer service department toll-free at 1-800-
ADC-2670 and ask for ADC part number 980SK. We will be glad to
rush one out to you immediately.
P ease note: As a precaution, we strongly recommend that you keep
a mercury spill kit on hand.
Doesn’t mercury spill all over the place?
A mercury spill can be cleaned up fairly easily. It rolls into one large
bead. It can be cleaned up with any commercially available mercury
spill kit specifically designed for this job. When spilled on a hard sur-
face a simple soft bristled brush or a 3cc syringe may even be used to
collect very small amounts of mercury quickly and safely. Elemental
mercury is a non-wetting liquid. It does not absorb into rugs or fab-
rics. It can be removed quickly and completely from carpeted surfaces
using a mercury absorbent powder that reacts with mercury to form
a harmless amalgam which can then be easily contained.

8
Don’t I have to report mercury spills and put special hazardous
markings on the collection container?
No. Mercurial spills of less than one (1) pound are exempt from any Fed-
eral, State, or local agency reporting requirements. According to DOT
(Department of Transportation) CR49. 173.164 no special markings of
any kind are required when dealing with quantities of ESS than 1
pound. ADC DIAGNOSTIX™instruments contain about 2 ounces of
99.9999% pure elemental mercury.
What should I do in the event of accidental eye contact with
mercury?
Symptoms of eye exposure can include redness, pain, and watery eyes. If
mercury contaminates the eyes, open the contaminated individual’s eyes
while under gently running water, using sufficient force to open eyelids.
Have the contaminated individual “roll” their eyes. Flush the contami-
nated individual’s eyes with running water for a minimum of 15 minutes
and seek immediate medical attention.
What do I do with the collected mercury and broken instrument?
You have two options. You can dispose of the collected mercury and
damaged instrument in accordance with your state and local environ-
mental regulations. Your facility may already have established proce-
dures for the disposal of mercury products.
Or, as a convenience to our customers, you can return the waste
mercury and damaged ADC DIAGNOSTIX™instrument. Please call our
customer service department toll free at 1-800-ADC-2670. They will send
you out a complete mercury return kit p/n 985 along with detailed instruc-
tions on the proper packing and return of the damaged instrument and
collected mercury.
How do I return a broken unit?
Regardless of whether or not the unit is intact (no mercury leakage) it
may be returned to ADC for service via UPS only (USPS does not author-
ize shipment of mercury). When returning an intact mercurial unit, be
sure to include a note listing your name, address, daytime phone num-
ber, and symptoms of the unit. When packing mercurial units for trans-
port, be sure to follow the instructions in the “Packing and Shipping”
section below.

9
Send to: ADC
Attn: Service Department
55 Commerce Drive, Hauppauge, NY 11788
If the unit is damaged and mercury has leaked, please call our cus-
tomer service department at 1-800-ADC-2670. We will be happy to
send you a complete mercury return kit, part number 985 with in-
structions on the safe transportation of the product. Please note
that the mercury return kit is NOT necessary but is provided as a con-
venience. If you choose not to use an ADC return kit, you will need a
leak-proof, sealable 3 mil plastic bag (for each unit), rubber
bands/twist ties/fasteners, a 200 test corrugated carton, and the ap-
propriate shipping labels. Only the manometer itself and not the in-
flation system (cuff, connectors, bulb and valve), wall brackets, or
mobile base (depending upon the unit) need be returned. Please be
sure to follow the instructions for shipment in the “Packing and Ship-
ping Instructions” section below.
Note: We can only accept the etu n of ADC ’s DIAGNOSTIX™ me -
cu ial inst uments fo epai se vices.
PACKING AND SHIPPING INST UCTIONS
Important Note: Failu e to follow the p ope packing and shipping
inst uctions below fo me cu ial etu n kits could esult in me cu y leak-
age du ing t ansit. The shippe will be esponsible fo all costs associ-
ated with cleaning me cu ial spills that we e caused by imp ope
packaging and shipping methods.
You will be sealing each mercury unit in TWO polybags with bubble
wrap in between. Only pack a MAXIMUM of 3 units per return. (As-
sorted styles are acceptable) It is very important to note that the De-
partment of Transportation (HAZMAT) requirements will require
special caution labels for any boxes that contain 1 pound or more of
mercury. Three mercurial units are below this 1 pound requirement,
and do not require any additional labeling.
1. Remove the inflation system, basket(s), rod, and base from all
mercurial units before packing and dispose of in accordance with
local regulations. ADC will ON Y accept the main mercurial units
for return.

10
2. Put ONE mercurial unit in a polybag and seal it with a twist tie
or rubber band closure.
3. Wrap bubble wrap around the mercurial unit and secure with
adhesive tape. This will help prevent the port connector from
puncturing the second polybag.
4. Enclose the wrapped mercurial unit in another polybag. Seal
the polybag with another twist tie or rubber band closure.
5. Place the double polybagged and wrapped unit inside the
packing case,or inner carton.
6. Arrange some cushioning bags or more bubble wrap around
the mercurial unit to protect it from excessive shifting.
7. If returning two or three mercurial units, repeat steps 1-6 as
necessary. We suggest packaging each of the mercurial units in
separate inner cartons that can fit into the packing case.
8. Seal the packing case closed with a strip of adhesive tape.
Carefully place the specially autho ized return address label to
the top of the box.
9. Ship via UPS Prepaid Ground Service ON Y. No other carriers
are authorized use for safe return of mercury instruments.
What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)? Why do I need it and how
do I get one?
An SDS sheet is required by OSHA. All medical locations require you
keep it on file. An SDS provides you with information about mercury,
and what protective measures you have to do for your safety. Your
ADC dealer will provide you with the SDS upon request.
The information contained within this guide is provided in good faith
and is believed to be correct as of the date published. ADC makes no
representation as to the completeness or accuracy of the information.
It is understood that the person receiving this information will use
good judgement to determine proper actions to be taken. Information
contained within does not provide any warranties, expressed or im-
plied.

11
Air Bubble i car-
tridge tube duri g
i flatio
Blood Pressure
Readi g seems
High
Blood Pressure
Readi g seems
Low
Dirty cartridge
tube
Mercury bou ci g
i tube duri g i -
flatio or deflatio
Mercury drops
appear outside
the top or bottom
of the cartridge
tube
Mercury rises or
falls slowly
Mercury sepa-
rates i tube dur-
i g deflatio
• Add mercury by followi g the i -
structio s i this ma ual
• To remove trapped air, tap reservoir
while system is i flated
• Be sure to deflate the i flatio sys-
tem at the recomme ded rate of 2-
3mmHg/sec
• Cha ge top cap filter
• Clea or replace mercury
• Add mercury
• Clea tube i accorda ce with e -
closed i structio s
• Cha ge top cap filter
• Make sure cartridge tube is securely
seated
• Replace silico e gaskets at top a d
bottom of tube
• Cha ge top cap filter
• Clea tube i accorda ce with e -
closed i structio s
• Be sure to deflate the i flatio sys-
tem at the recomme ded rate of 2-
3mmHg/sec
• To remove trapped air, tap reservoir-
while system is i flated
• I sufficie t
amou t of mercury
• Air trapped i
reservoir
• Excessive deflatio
rate
• Air flow blockage
• Mercury level low
• Mercury has oxi-
dized leavi g a silver
gray residue
• Filters eed re-
placeme ts
• Leak at seals
• Air flow blockage
• Excessive deflatio
rate
• Trapped air
PROBLEM LIKELY CAUSE RESOLUTION

12
IB p/n: 9353B-00 - rev 5©2015 American Diagnostic Corporation
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www.adctoday.co
and follow the links
Consult this manual for basic service
and maintenance rocedures mentioned
in this troubleshooting guide.
If any of the roblems ersist, contact
ADC’s Customer Service De artment
Toll-Free at 1-800-ADC-2670.
ADC P OBLEM SOLVING GUIDE
Questions or Comments Call Toll-Free
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