In contrast, routine of ce BP refers to measurements obtained without following these recom- mended preparation procedures and is often also called casual of ce BP. Once the appropriate preparations for standardized of ce BP have been made, BP may be measured by an automated oscillometric device or manually using an auscultatory method. An oscillometric BP device may be preferable to a manual BP device for standardized of ce BP measurement (see Practice Point 1.1.), but the main emphasis is on the importance of measuring BP according to recommended preparation procedures (Figure 2). Manual BP may be measured with either a mercury or aneroid sphygmoma- nometer. However, aneroid devices require frequent calibra- tion: every 6 months for wall-mounted and every 2 4 weeks for handheld devices.3,4 Oscillometric devices generally require less-frequent calibration (e.g., every 1 2 years, based on manufacturer recommendations), than aneroid devices.3 1 Have the patient relax, sitting in a chair (feet on floor, back supported) for > 5 min 2 The patient should avoid caffeine, exercise, and smoking for at least 30 min before measurement 3 Ensure patient has emptied his/her bladder 4 Neither the patient nor the observer should talk during the rest period or during the measurement 5 Remove all clothing covering the location of cuff placement 6 Measurements made while the patient is sitting or lying on an examining table do not fulfill these criteria 1 Use a BP measurement device that has been validated, and ensure that the device is calibrated periodically 2 Support the patient s arm (e.g.