Blood pressure measurements

Having the resources to measure accurate and reliable blood pressures in research subjects can be essential in understand the physiology and pathology of cardiovascular disease. Measurements can be obtained by non-invasive or invasive methods, using traditional sphygmomanometers or telemetry, respectively.

Prices depend on the chosen protocol and time spent. See general price examples, or contact us for more information.

Non-invasive blood pressure measurement

The Coda4 Tail-cuff system from EMKA Technologies is available for blood pressure measurements in alert mice. Using inflatable tail-cuffs, the blood flow in the tail is temporarily occluded, and systolic and diastolic pressures are registered as air is released from the cuffs, allowing blood flow to return to the tail. Animals should be trained for the procedure to avoid stress.Pressures can be measured in 4 mice at a time.

Invasive blood pressure measurements

The gold standard of blood pressure measurements in research is the invasive telemetric measurements, where blood pressure can be monitored accurately and continuously, without restraint or handling of the animals. The telemetric devices offer a comprehensive collection of datasets, and a great variety of possible pressure measurements. Transmitters are implanted subcutaneously or intraperitoneally, depending on animal and the desired protocol. Additionally, we have implants that measure glucose concentrations or that only measure biopotentials.

Read more about other features of our telemetry units.

Telemetry equipment is available for rental, and prices are given per animal for the duration of rental period. Prices include surgery and collection of data. Additionally, data might require sophisticated analysis and interpretation, and we are happy to help when needed.

Telemetry in mice

At the Department of Biomedicine, we have multiple different DSI telemetry devices for mice available.

The smallest is the PA-C10 transmitter, with a catheter that measures arterial, left ventricular, bladder or intra-cranial pressures, depending on where it is implanted. PA-C10 is suitable for animals as small as 17 g. Implantation in arteries provides systolic, diastolic and mean pressure, as well as BPM, animal activity and respiratory rate. The HD-X11 transmitter is suitable for animals as small as 19 g, and has the added opportunity of measuring temperature and biopotentials such as ECG, EEG, EMG or EOG.

There are several PA-C10 and HD-X11 transmitter units available at the Department of Biomedicine, allowing for collection of data in up to 24 animals at a time. The transmitters have a battery life of minimum 4-6 weeks and they can be reused by re-implantation.