Skip to Content

BIOPAC Blood Pressure Training

Last modified by SOLO SA on 2026/03/24 13:50

Information

Subpages

Contents

Introduction

This training is intended for researchers and students who want to learn how to measure blood pressure with the BIOPAC system.  

This page can be used in three ways: 

  • As a guide for trainers delivering blood pressure training 
  • As a digital handout for trainees 
  • As reference material when running a blood pressure study with BIOPAC 

Note that we have two different blood pressure systems, the NIBP100E and the NIBP100D. This document contains training for both; however, you only need to cover the sections about the specific system you are using. Sections that don't specify one of the two systems apply to both.  

This training assumes all equipment is already correctly set up and connected. If you need assistance with hardware setup, please contact labsupport@fsw.leidenuniv.nl.  

Estimated duration: ~ 30 minutes 

Learning Goals

By the end of this training, you will be able to: 

  • Have basic knowledge about BIOPAC 
  • Know what blood pressure is 
  • Understand how the BIOPAC blood pressure equipment is set up and how to use it safely  
  • Prepare a participant and apply finger and arm cuffs correctly  
  • Perform Calibration with both BIOPAC systems 
  • Use AcqKnowledge to record blood pressure data 
  • Obtain good data 

Not included in this training: 

  • Experimental design 
  • Physiological data analysis 

Materials

No particular materials, other than the equipment itself, are needed when recording blood pressure data. 

Step-by-Step Training Plan

Introduction to Blood Pressure, BIOPAC and AcqKnowledge

  1. Read the Introduction section of the blood pressure page to obtain a basic understanding. 
  2. On the BIOPAC page read the following sections: 
  3. Open AcqKnowledge and follow the Creating an AcqKnowledge template instructions to create a template for your blood pressure module. Note that NIBP100E system requires a specific AcqKnowledge version, make sure it is installed by labsupport. 
    • On SSH/FSW Lab PCs, create your own folder in C:\ExperimentData (e.g. “Training”).  
    • Save your template as Graph Template (.gtl) in your folder. 

Participant Setup

Follow the participant setup Protocol described on the blood pressure page. Make sure to involve the participant in the process: 

  • Explain what blood pressure measures 
  • Describe how to setup finger and arm cuffs including finding the correct size 
  • Ask for consent before touching the participant  
  • Remind the participant they can stop at any time 

Performing Calibration

  • NIBP100D module: Explain how to perform calibration via CNAP monitor, add to wiki how to reach change finger settings 

Recording the Blood Pressure Signal 

  1. Open the AcqKnowledge template you created earlier. 
  2. Start the recording.  
  3. Explore AcqKnowledge features: 
    • Use the magnifying glass to zoom into the blood pressure waveform. 
    • Right-click the graph > Autoscale Single Waveform or Autoscale Waveforms. 
    • See additional helpful options in the Preferences and View section on the AcqKnowledge page. 
  4. Read the Tips & Tricks on the blood pressure page. See what happens when:  
    • The participant moves around. 
    • You recalibrate after the recording has already been started 
    • You need to switch fingers during the experiment 

Clean-up

  1. Stop the recording and save the recording in the folder you created in C:\ExperimentData. Make sure to save the file as Graph (.acq) file. Close AcqKnowledge. 
  2. Follow the Cleaning up section on the blood pressure page. 
  3. Turn off the BIOPAC. 

Further Considerations

Safety

Review general safety information for participant-based research here: Safety - SOLO Research Wiki. 

Markers

Event markers are crucial when measuring physiological data.  

See: 

Equipment choice

The NIBP100E is somewhat easier to integrate with the experimental procedure, as calibration can be arranged within AcqKnowledge on the acquisition computer. However, choosing between the NIBP100E and NIBP100D will depend on which devices SOLO has available. 

Compatibility with other signals and equipment

Blood pressure measurements can often be combined with many other signals and equipment such as ECG, EEG, ICG, skin conductance, respiration, fEMG, virtual reality, etc. When you want to measure multiple signals with BIOPAC, consult the Grounding section on the BIOPAC page. 

Analysis options

Several software options exist for preprocessing and analyzing blood pressure data collected with BIOPAC.  

  • We recommend checking out the PhysioData Toolbox, which allows for easy batch-processing of blood pressure data.  

Experimental design

Make sure to consider your preferred measurement outcome when designing your experiment: 

  • Systolic Points and Signal: peaks in blood pressure signal. The continuous SBP signal is calculated by interpolating systolic points 
  • Diastolic Points and Signal: valleys in blood pressure signal. They occur prior to their systolic point. The continuous DBP signal is generated by interpolating the diastolic points 
  • Mean Arterial Pressure: calculated by combining the continuous systolic and diastolic blood pressure signals  
  • Pulse: is calculated using the intervals between the systolic points and gives an estimation of instantaneous heart rate 

Please check the literature for current recommendations. 

Further reading

  • BIOPAC blood pressure webinar: | BIOPAC