Types Of Spirometers And How They Work

By Tracie Knight


Spirometry is a clinical process through which lung functions are measured, specifically speed and volume of air inhaled and exhaled. It is among pulmonary function tests done on patients with lung problems and it also goes by the phrase measuring of breath. The pieces of equipment used to do the process are called spirometers. Buyers have a wide range of devices to choose from because there are many models in the market today.

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 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 model is a complete improvement of other models because it does not have fine meshes or moving components. Rate of air flow is measured using methods such as pressure difference and ultrasonic transudcers. Lack of moving components improves the accuracy of these models because there is no friction or resistance. The hygiene is also improved since air flow channels used are disposable after use.

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 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 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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