Description:

The Welch Allyn Spot Vital Signs model 420 / 42NTB is a take-anywhere, single-patient vital-signs monitor that combines oscillometric non-invasive blood pressure, SureTemp® predictive thermometry and Nellcor® pulse-oximetry in a 4-lb handheld package. A back-lit liquid-crystal display walks users through cuff inflation, thermometer probe status and SpO₂ signal quality, while a one-button cycle captures BP, pulse, temperature and oxygen saturation in 30–45 seconds. The on-board lithium pack delivers ~130 blood-pressure determinations on a charge and re-tops automatically whenever the 7.2 V DC adapter is plugged in. Modular sensor ports let clinics swap between Masimo SET or Nellcor OxiMax SpO₂ boards, and internal menus lock out default limits for consistent readings across units. Rubber feet support countertop use, or the monitor snaps into custom pole, wall or rolling mounts for true “spot-check and go” workflows.

Economic Advantage:

Before the Spot 420 series, nurses either wheeled cart monitors from room to room or juggled separate BP cuffs, thermometers and pulse oximeters. The Speed-cycle algorithm and multi-parameter cassette cut average vitals time to well under a minute, saving several labor minutes per patient round. Because it runs on inexpensive standard cuffs and probe covers—and needs no central station or network drops—facilities could deploy two or three Spots for the price of one full bedside monitor, yet still log AAMI-grade accuracy. The result was faster triage, higher room turnover and lower capital plus consumable spend, especially in outpatient and ED settings.