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Thursday, May 8, 2014

Types Of Spirometers And How They Work

By Tracie Knight


Spirometry is a medical procedure used to measure lung functions, specifically the volume and speed of the air one breathes in and out. It is one of pulmonary function tests and it is also referred to as measuring of breath. Spirometry is performed using pieces of equipment called spirometers. There are many version and models of these apparatus in the market, giving a buyer a wide range of options to choose from.

The work of this equipment is to determine abnormal ventilation patterns and how air moves in and out of the lungs. This device is normally able to detect two kinds of abnormal ventilation patterns. The first abnormal pattern is restrictive while the second one is obstructive. Different device models use different measurement methods to achieve their functions. Some of most common methods include use of water gauge, ultrasonic, and pressure transducers.

These gadgets continue getting better as technology improves. At the present time several makes are in utilization in different around the globe. Among the key models are windmill-type, incentive, whole body plethymograph, pneumotachometer, peak flow type, fully electronic, and tilt compensated model. Of all the models body plethymograph has the highest accuracy with high precision in values taken. The great precision is partially because patients get enclosed in small spaces during the process.

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.

Previous models have been improved to come up with the fully electronic version, which does not use moving parts or fine meshes. In fully improved models, techniques like ultrasonic transudcers and pressure difference are used to gauge rate of air flow. Accuracy is greatly improved because no friction due to resistance is experienced since no moving parts are present. Disposable air flow channels in the products improve hygiene.

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 can measure forced vital capacity without use of water. In comparison to the water-tank type, it is more portable and lighter. Measurements recorded are broad and range from 1000ml to 7000ml. When taking measurements, the apparatus must be maintained in horizontal position because it contains rotating discs. Tilt-compensated model contains 3D sensing mechanics, which allow backward or forward positions when in use.

The cooperation the patient gives the doctor highly determines how successful the testing process can be. Normally values obtained from a single test are not used because they contain errors. The procedure is therefore repeated at least three times to obtain final values. Little kids who cannot understand instructions cannot also be tested because of the same reason.




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