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jeudi 8 mai 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 this equipment is to determine abnormal ventilation patterns and how air moves in and out of the lungs. This device is normally able to detect two kinds of abnormal ventilation patterns. The first abnormal pattern is restrictive while the second one is obstructive. Different device models use different measurement methods to achieve their functions. Some of most common methods include use of water gauge, ultrasonic, and pressure 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.

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.

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 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 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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