Basics About Different Kinds Of Spirometers

By Tracie Knight


Spirometry refer to a clinical exercise through which functions of the lung are gauged, specifically the velocity and volume of air breathed. It is also known by the phrase measuring of breath and it stands among PFTs, pulmonary function tests carried out on patients diagnosed with lung conditions. The apparatus used perform do the exercise are called spirometers. Customers have a variety of gadgets to pick from since there are numerous makes on the current market.

The function of this apparatus is determining abnormalities in ventilation patterns and air movements out and into the lungs. The devices detect two forms of abnormalities in ventilation pattern. The two abnormalities in ventilation pattern are restrictive and obstructive. Various models employ different measurement techniques to accomplish their task. Some of those methods are, use of water gauges, pressure or ultrasonic transducers.

These devices keep improving with the ever improving technology. Currently several models are in application in various sectors around the world. Among the main models are whole body plethymograph, fully electronic, tilt compensated, pneumotachometer, windmill-type, incentive, and peak flow type model. The most accurate model of all the models is whole body plethymograph, which gives high accuracy in values recorded. The high accuracy is partly because patients are enclosed in rooms during the exercise.

The pneumotachometer employs a fine mesh which is used to measure the flow rate of gasses. As the gases flow over the fine mesh, their pressure is detected making it possible to measure their rate of flow. The patient under assessment has the freedom to breath in fresh air during the process. This is an advantage that other models do not have.

Fully electronic model is a complete improvement of other models because it does not have fine meshes or moving components. Rate of air flow is measured using methods such as pressure difference and ultrasonic transudcers. Lack of moving components improves the accuracy of these models because there is no friction or resistance. The hygiene is also improved since air flow channels used are disposable after use.

The incentive model is the most widely employed kind. These models are meant to improve air exchange in lungs when utilized for long a period. In health centers they are placed on tables or benches adjacent to beds when in use. Health officers instruct patients to breathe into the mouthpiece for a certain number of times every day. An improvement the patient observes in their inhalation and exhalation is seen on the calibrated sides of the apparatus.

Windmill-type version is used to measure forced vital capacity without using water. It is lighter and more portable in comparison to water-tank model. The measurements in this device are broad running from 1000 to 7000 ml. The presence of rotating discs in the apparatus requires it to be held in a horizontal position when recording measurements. Tilt-compensated type has 3D sensing mechanics that allow patients to lean backwards or forwards while in use.

The testing process is highly dependent on the cooperation of the patient. The values from one recording cannot be used because they may contain errors. That is the reason why the procedure is normally repeated at least three times. That is also the reason it cannot be used on small children who cannot follow instructions.




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