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 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.
Incentive models are the most commonly used models in most settings. They are meant to improve the breathing of a patient over a long time of usage. They are normally placed on a bench or a table next to a bed. The patient should inhale and exhale through the mouthpiece for a given number of times every hour as per the instructions of the doctor. The calibrations on the device indicate any improvements the patient is making over time.
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 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.
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 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.
Incentive models are the most commonly used models in most settings. They are meant to improve the breathing of a patient over a long time of usage. They are normally placed on a bench or a table next to a bed. The patient should inhale and exhale through the mouthpiece for a given number of times every hour as per the instructions of the doctor. The calibrations on the device indicate any improvements the patient is making over time.
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 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.