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Friday, 9 May 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 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.

As technology continues to advance, so does these devices. Currently there are several models in use in different parts of the world. Some of major models include whole body plethymograph, pneumotachometer, peak flow type, windmill-type, incentive, fully electronic, and tilt compensated model. Whole body plethymograph is one of most accurate models, giving a very high level of accuracy in its readings. The person whose lungs are being assessed is enclosed in a small room.

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.

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.

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 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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