ISO 14835-2:2005

Overview

ISO 14835-2:2005 specifies standardized methods for measuring finger systolic blood pressure (FSBP) during controlled local cold provocation to assess peripheral vascular function. Part 2 of ISO 14835 provides requirements for measurement equipment, test procedures, safety and reporting so that quantitative data on vascular response to cold can be collected and compared, including for people exposed to hand‑transmitted vibration and vibration‑induced white finger (VWF).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Measurement method: FSBP is measured by plethysmography - applying a supra‑systolic occluding cuff to a digit and releasing pressure while monitoring return of blood flow; the cuff pressure at flow return = FSBP (mmHg).
• Sensors: Acceptable transducers include strain‑gauge plethysmography, photoplethysmography and laser‑Doppler flowmetry. Sensors must not occlude or thermally isolate the digit and should detect flow within ~1 s.
• Cuff design: Cuff length must encircle the finger; cuff width ≥ 20% greater than finger diameter. Water‑perfused cuffs for thermal provocation should have high thermal conductivity and thin walls.
• Thermal provocation: Controlled local cooling between 35 °C and 10 °C.
• Pressure control & rates: Supra‑systolic pressure (>250 mmHg recommended) down to 0 mmHg; pressure transducer accuracy ±1 mmHg; release rates of 1–3 mmHg/s recommended. Duration of pressure application controlled to ±5 s.
• Environmental & subject conditions: Room temperature maintained at 21 ± 1 °C; testing time recommendations (9:00–18:00); avoid exercise, smoking or caffeine for 3 h, alcohol/vasoactive drugs and vibration exposure for 12 h prior.
• Calibration & safety: Equipment calibration traceable to recognized standards; follow electrical safety (e.g., IEC 60601‑1), informed consent, contraindications and medical supervision.
• Data reporting: Document examination conditions, subject characteristics, symptoms, and FSBP results to support normative data and comparisons.

Applications and users

• Occupational health physicians and clinicians assessing peripheral vascular disease and vibration‑induced white finger.
• Researchers studying vascular responses to cold or hand‑transmitted vibration.
• Manufacturers and test laboratories developing/validating plethysmographs and cold‑provocation systems.
• Ergonomists and safety assessors evaluating workplace vibration risks.

Related standards

• ISO 14835‑1 (Part 1: measurement and evaluation of finger skin temperature)
• IEC 60601‑1 (medical electrical equipment - general safety requirements)

Keywords: ISO 14835-2:2005, FSBP, finger systolic blood pressure, plethysmography, cold provocation, peripheral vascular function, hand‑transmitted vibration, vibration‑induced white finger.