What the screen shows, top to bottom
- Systolic value (SYS) in mmHg
- Diastolic value (DIA) in mmHg
- Pulse rate in beats per minute
- Date/time, and the stored-value marker 'M' when reviewing memory
Symbols you may see
| Symbol | What it means |
|---|---|
| Pulse indicator | Flashes in the display while the measurement is running. |
| Cuff fit check | Indicates the cuff is placed well; the -A variant means a suboptimal fit that is still OK to measure with. |
| Arm movement indicator (ERR 2) | Movement or muscle tension disturbed the measurement - repeat it with your arm still. |
| Cuff pressure check (ERR 3) | Adequate pressure could not be built up, often a loose cuff or a leak - check the connection and repeat. |
| Cuff signal indicator (ERR 1) | The pulse signal at the cuff was too weak - reposition the cuff and repeat. |
| ERR 5 / HI / LO | Abnormal result, pulse or cuff pressure too high, or pulse too low; no reading is displayed for that attempt. |
| Irregular heartbeat (IHB) symbol | Shown when an irregular heartbeat was detected during the measurement; Microlife recommends repeating the measurement. |
| Traffic light indicator | A triangle on the left edge points at white, hatched-grey or black range markings that Microlife maps to its own classification. It is separate from the numbers you record. |
| Stored value 'M' / 'A' / 'CL' | 'M' appears when you are viewing memory, 'A' marks the average of all stored values and 'CL' confirms a reading was deleted. |
| Battery display | Flashes partly filled when the batteries are about three-quarters empty, and flat when they must be replaced before measuring again. |
Stored readings and averages
The device automatically stores the last 30 measurements. With the monitor switched off, press the M-button briefly: the display first shows 'M' and 'A', the average of all stored values, and each further press steps back through the individual readings. Holding the ON/OFF button until 'M' flashes right after a measurement lets you discard that reading instead of storing it.
How to take a reading you can trust
- Sit with your back supported and feet flat, and rest for five minutes before you start.
- Cuff at heart level on bare skin, arm resting on a table — the same arm every time.
- Take two readings a minute apart and write both down; don't pick the one you prefer.
- Note the time and anything unusual — before or after medication, feeling unwell — next to the numbers.
Photographing this display for a scan
- Wait for the result screen with all three values; the pulse indicator stops flashing when the measurement is complete.
- Include the left edge of the display so the cuff-fit icon, IHB symbol and the small triangle indicator are in the frame.
- The monitor switches off after about a minute - photograph before it does, or press M to bring a stored reading back.
- Hold the phone parallel to the screen; the segment digits lose contrast quickly when viewed from an angle.
What does the 'A' mean when I press the M-button on the BP B2 Basic?
'A' is the average of every reading currently in the 30-slot memory, shown together with 'M' the first time you press the button with the monitor off. It is not a recent reading, so label it as an all-time average if you copy it. Press M again to step through the actual readings, newest first, and log those individually with their dates and times for a meaningful record.
Can I stop a bad reading from being saved?
Yes. As soon as a result is displayed, press and hold the ON/OFF button until 'M' flashes, then press the time button to confirm; 'CL' shows the reading was deleted. That keeps a reading spoiled by movement or a mis-fitted cuff out of the average. Monitor2Log lets you photograph the display or your paper log and check every number before saving, giving you the same control over your written record.
Do I need to write down the traffic-light position?
Record the systolic, diastolic and pulse numbers with the date and time; those are the measurement. The triangle indicator is Microlife's built-in classification and you may note it if your doctor asks, but it adds nothing the numbers don't already contain. Do note the IHB symbol if it appears, because Microlife suggests repeating the measurement in that case and your clinician may want to know.