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 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 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.

Pneumotachometers gauge rate or flow of air by use of fine meshes. Pressure of breathed air is sensed and measured as the air flows over the fine meshes. This allows for its rate of flow to be measured too. As the procedure continues, the patients can inhale fresh air. This does not exist in 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 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 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 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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