Is non-invasive blood pressure comparably accurate to the invasive method in cats?

PICO question: In cats, is blood pressure measurement using non-invasive methods (Doppler or oscillometric) comparable to invasive arterial blood pressure measurement (direct arterial telemetry)? Clinical bottom line: Category of research: Diagnosis. Number and type of study designs reviewed: Thirteen method comparison studies and one prospective experimental study (fourteen total). Strength of evidence: Moderate. Outcomes reported: For oscillometry: two studies found it to be comparable; five studies found it to only be comparable in certain circumstances; and four studies found it not to be comparable (11 studies total measuring oscillometric). For Doppler: no studies found it to be completely comparable; two studies found it to be comparable under certain circumstances; and five found it not to be comparable (seven studies total measuring Doppler). Conclusion: The evidence is mixed and suggests that Doppler in cats is not comparable to the reference standard (invasive measurement) or may only be comparable under certain conditions. Oscillometry may be comparable to the reference standard but is also often found to only be comparable under specific conditions. There is more evidence for the comparability of oscillometry than for Doppler, particularly for measurement of mean arterial pressure. How to apply this evidence in practice The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient's circumstances and owners' values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources.Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.