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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 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.

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.

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 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 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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