WHO Releases Technical Guidance on Substituting Mercury Thermometers and Sphygmomanometers

WHO has issued a Technical Guidance Document for the safe substitution of non-mercury thermometers and sphygmomanometers in health-care settings.

It identifies available resources that support the equivalent accuracy and comparable clinical utility of the substituted products, while protecting health-care workers and the environment.

It is designed to support professionals responsible for institutions or ministries desiring to switch to safer non-polluting technologies in health care. 

This Guidance, currently available only in English, is designed to meet Short Term Objective #1 of the WHO-HCWH Mercury-Free Health Care Initiative "Identify and/or establish international standards for mercury-free alternative medical devices." 

Download Technical Guidance on Substituting Mercury Thermometers and Sphygmomanometers