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 work of these devices is to establish abnormalities in aeration patterns and air motion out and into lungs. The gadgets establish 2 kinds of abnormalities in aeration patterns. The 2 abnormalities in aeration patterns are obstructive and restrictive. To achieve their tasks, various makes use different measurement techniques. Among those techniques are, use of pressure and/or ultrasonic transducers or water gauges.

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 gauges the flow rate of air by employing a fine mesh. The pressure of inhaled or exhaled gases is detected as they flow over the fine mesh, allowing measurement of their rate of flow. Patients are allowed to breathe in fresh air as the process continues. That is an advantage that lacks in most other models.

Fully electronic versions are an improvement of the other models because they lack fine meshes and/or moving parts. In these models, the rate of air flow is gauged using techniques such as ultrasonic transudcers and pressure difference. The accuracy is highly improved because there is no resistance or friction due to lack of moving parts. Hygiene is also high because of the disposable air flow channels built into them.

The most commonly used type is the incentive model. These models improve gaseous exchange in the lung of patient when used for a long time. In hospitals they are placed on benches or tables next to beds. Doctors instruct patients to breathe through them for a given number of times daily. Any improvements the patient makes in their breathing habits can be observed on the calibrations on the apparatus.

Windmill-type model is able to gauge forced vital capacity without involving water. When compared to water-tank types, it has lower weight and higher portability. Measurements taken are wide and lie between 7000ml and 1000ml. When recording measurements, this apparatus must be held in horizontal position due to the presence of revolving discs. Tilt-compensated types contain 3D sensing mechanics that permit forward or backward positions during use.

The success of the testing is determined by cooperation given to the doctor by the patient. Normally values acquired from one test contain errors and are therefore not used as final results. Three repetitions must be done obtain final figures. Little children cannot understand directions cannot be tested because they cannot give correct figures.




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