Sponsored Content by Merit SensorReviewed by Louis CastelMay 18 2026
Blood pressure monitoring plays a crucial role in the medical industry, with readings used for general health analysis and disease diagnosis.
High blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension, is a serious health risk that may indicate other health problems.1 For this reason, ensuring accurate and reliable blood pressure monitoring data is essential for positive patient health outcomes.
Blood pressure monitoring is important not only for standard use but also for the online monitoring of a patient’s condition during critical surgical procedures.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a vital medical application that requires accurate online monitoring. This technique is used during specific surgical procedures in which the patient’s heart and lung function are impaired, as well as for critically ill patients.
In an ECMO machine, blood is pumped outside the body to facilitate carbon dioxide removal and reoxygenation prior to being returned to the patient.2 ECMO is a viable alternative to mechanical ventilation as it can help mitigate any lung damage caused by the positive pressure used in these techniques.
Blood pressure monitoring equipment is vital for tracking both the patient’s condition and the ECMO machine itself.3 A healthy blood pressure level is usually below 120/80 mmHg, but low blood pressure can drop to 90/60 mmHg.
In applications such as ECMO, blood pressure monitors that feature an extended reading range can be highly advantageous.
ECMO Machine featuring the BP Series extended range pressure sensor. Image Credit: Merit Sensor
Merit Sensor Systems
Merit Sensor Systems is a globally recognized, industry-leading company with experience in engineering and manufacturing precise piezoresistive pressure sensors. The company offers pressure sensors for blood pressure monitoring applications and a wide range of medical equipment.
The resting environment in which blood pressure is measured can significantly affect a patient’s blood pressure readings. One method used to improve data quality is ambulatory blood pressure testing, in which portable devices record blood pressure measurements throughout the day.4
The compact sensor footprints of MEMS piezoresistive sensors and assemblies, such as the BP Series, make them well-suited for portable blood pressure monitoring applications.
Merit Sensor Systems offers a range of sensors for blood pressure monitoring applications. These include the BP Series, which has two models: one operates within normal pressure ranges, and the other has an extended range ideal for applications such as ECMO, where measurements span -500–1000 mmHg.
The BP + T is designed for ultra-compact applications that measure temperature ranges.
BP Series sensors
Merit Sensor Systems’ blood pressure monitoring sensors are well-suited for invasive blood pressure monitoring applications and measurements, including ECMO.
The standard BP Series setup BP0001 spans a pressure range of -30 to 300 mmHg and delivers a dependable signal that does not require temperature correction (operating temperature 15–40 °C).
This ultra-compact sensor features a highly durable design and supports burst pressure readings up to 800 psi. In addition, it adheres to AAMI BP22 and RoHS guidelines.
Merit Sensor Systems sensors integrate seamlessly with several medical instruments, with standard solder pads providing connectivity. The standard seal diameter is 4.8 mm (BP0001), while a smaller 3.2 mm seal (BP0002) is available to minimize the device’s overall footprint.
The small seal diameter in the sensors reduces the amount of blood in contact with the sensor, minimizing the likelihood of clotting and coagulation, which can decrease overall blood flow and negatively affect readings.
In addition to the sensor itself, a media-compatible medical dielectric gel is used for medical applications. The BP Series also includes an IMDS file for quick and easy media compatibility verification, reducing the time required for device prototype development.
BP Series 4.8 mm Standard Seal Diameter. Image Credit: Merit Sensor
BP Series 3.2 mm Small Seal Diameter. Image Credit: Merit Sensor
Extended range
The BP Series Extended configuration offers measurement capabilities spanning -500 to 1000 mmHg and is suitable for applications such as ECMO. The system operates over a broader pressure range compared to the standard configuration.
Blood pressure monitoring sensors from Merit Sensor Systems are engineered to withstand high-pressure environments while delivering precise readings throughout their full operational range.
With an extended product shelf life of up to three years, the solutions provided by Merit Sensor Systems extend the lifespan of medical devices and ensure consistent pressure monitor functionality, whether used as short-term or long-term solutions.
Source: Merit Sensor
BP Series extended pressure range statistics
The following graph presents the over-pressure specification limits for the BP Series Extended between -500 and 1000 mmHg. Test results are available in the Overpressure/Accuracy Report.
Image Credit: Merit Sensor
The BP + T ('Blood Pressure + Temperature') sensor integrates pressure and temperature measurements into a single device and is available as an upgrade option. The BP + T sensor is a direct in-flow measurement device that monitors pressure and temperature at the same location.
The temperature reading is directly proportional to the Ohmic reading of the embedded thermistor, which is coated with a media-compatible substance. Two additional pads provide an electrical connection for temperature measurement (Kelvin-Point).
The BP + T sensor is also geometrically compatible with the BP0001 and overall BP Series configurations. This integration capability can be verified using the available 3D model files.
Blood Pressure + Temperature Series. Image Credit: Merit Sensor
Applications
Merit Sensor System’s devices are currently employed in many emerging lung support treatments and blood pressure sensors as part of lightweight and portable emergency response cardiopulmonary support systems.
The blood pressure sensors from Merit Sensor Systems are high-quality, economical devices that can withstand the pressure peaks encountered in ECMO applications.
Image Credit: Merit Sensor
References and further reading
- Elliott, W.J. (2003). The Economic Impact of Hypertension. The Journal of Clinical Hypertension, 5(3), pp.3–13. DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-6175.2003.02463.x. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1524-6175.2003.02463.x.
- Patel, A.R., et al. (2019). Applied Uses of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Therapy. Cureus. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.5163. https://www.cureus.com/articles/20869-applied-uses-of-extracorporeal-membrane-oxygenation-therapy#!/.
- Mossadegh, C. (2016). Monitoring the ECMO. Nursing Care and ECMO, pp.45–70. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-20101-6_5. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-20101-6_5.
- Turner, J.R., Viera, A.J. and Shimbo, D. (2015). Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Clinical Practice: A Review. The American Journal of Medicine, 128(1), pp.14–20. DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2014.07.021. https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(14)00659-7/abstract.
Acknowledgments
Produced using materials originally authored by Carly Riley.
About Merit Sensor
One size does not fit all. Whether it is design assistance, custom products or smaller volumes, clients need flexible solutions instead of rigid excuses.
In addition to our standard products, we offer an array of design and manufacturing services.
As the leader in piezoresistive pressure sensing, we are ready and able to address key issues such as media compatibility, sensitivity or packaging feasibility. Instead of searching for and interfacing with a variety of sources, we’ll get you the answers you need to get your products up and running quickly.
Design
We offer the following design services:
- Customization (sensitivity, resistance, bridge configurations, pressure ranges, pressure types, packages, etc.)
- Analysis (application, media, packaging etc.)
- Verification (prototyping, testing, etc.)
If we can’t do it for you, we will likely know who can and we will refer you to them.
Manufacturing
Because we own and operate our own wafer fabrication facility, we can offer the following manufacturing services:
- Customized manufacturing
- Selected contract manufacturing
- Small volume runs
Considering the years we have been in business, chances are we have or can create a solution for you.
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