Blood Pressure Clearance for PEMs

Blood pressure and safety

Our client's safety is paramount. Please review medical paperwork or perform screening of blood pressure prior to physical testing. Blood pressure which exceeds 160/100 should be sent off for clearance. Therapist discretion can be utilized if sitting very near this level.

Ensure you take a minimum of 3 reading. Multiple readings should not be done on the same arm consecutively. One pressure should be taken supine if the client has exceeded the recommended level to continue testing. If blood pressure still exceeds the advisable level continue with physical testing that is low in intensity (i.e. ROM, grip). Following these tests perform one more reading to determine suitability of continuing with physical testing. If the reading is still above an acceptable level send for medical clearance (see sample letter below).

Sample Letter for Blood Pressure Clearance

<Date>

Dear Doctor,

RE: <Insert Name>

DOB: <Insert DOB>

<Insert patient name> presented to our practice today to complete a pre-employment functional capacity evaluation for <insert referring company or organization name>. Unfortunately his blood pressure was too high (> 160 systolic and > 100 diastolic) to proceed with this examination without medical clearance.

His/her blood pressure readings today were <insert 3 consecutive readings> performed in <insert how the pressures were taken (i.e. in sitting or in supine>.

I would appreciate it if you could assess <insert patient’s name> blood pressure and suitability to proceed with this examination. It is a physically intensive test involving cardiovascular testing, strength testing, repeated movements, core testing, positional testing, and safe maximal manual handling tests. The test will result in an elevation of his blood pressure.

If you believe him safe to proceed with testing could you please provide written medical clearance stating the same.

I appreciate your assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact me on 08 909 11739 if you have any further questions or comments.

Kind Regards,

<Therapist’s Name>

Physiotherapist