Automated ABPI in Peripheral Arterial Disease a pilot study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Assessing the diagnostic accuracy of AUTOmated ankle–brachial pressure index devices across the spectrum of Peripheral Arterial Disease (AUTO-PAD)- A pilot study
IRAS ID
368262
Contact name
Sean Pymer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 6 months, days
Research summary
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common condition caused by narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the legs. It affects more than 230 million people worldwide and is becoming increasingly common. PAD can range from having no symptoms at all, to leg pain when walking, and in severe cases can lead to non‑healing wounds, tissue loss, or even amputation. Many people with PAD are unaware they have the condition. PAD is usually diagnosed using a simple test called the ankle‑brachial pressure index (ABPI), which compares blood pressure in the ankle and the arm. Although this test is effective, it is time‑consuming and requires specialist training. As a result, ABPI testing is often unavailable in GP surgeries or community settings, leading to delays in diagnosis and unnecessary hospital visits.
New automated devices have been developed that can measure ABPI more quickly and with less specialist input. Early research suggests these devices could be accurate, but there is not yet enough evidence to support their routine use in clinical care.
This study aims to assess how accurate two automated ABPI devices are compared with the standard manual ABPI test. The study will include adults across the full range of PAD, including people with no symptoms, people with suspected PAD and chronic limb threatening ischemia, and people who are being monitored after leg bypass surgery. Participants will have their ABPI measured once using the manual method and the two automated devices during a single hospital visit.
The study will also explore how acceptable and comfortable the devices are for patients, and how easy they are for clinicians to use. The results will help determine whether automated ABPI devices could safely improve access to PAD testing in community and primary care settings, reduce hospital visits, and support earlier diagnosis and treatment.REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
26/WS/0078
Date of REC Opinion
9 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion