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Understanding Various Types Of Spirometers

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 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.

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 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 testing process is highly dependent on the cooperation of the patient. The values from one recording cannot be used because they may contain errors. That is the reason why the procedure is normally repeated at least three times. That is also the reason it cannot be used on small children who cannot follow instructions.




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