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 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.
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.
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.
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 cooperation the patient gives the doctor highly determines how successful the testing process can be. Normally values obtained from a single test are not used because they contain errors. The procedure is therefore repeated at least three times to obtain final values. Little kids who cannot understand instructions cannot also be tested because of the same reason.
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.
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.
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.
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 cooperation the patient gives the doctor highly determines how successful the testing process can be. Normally values obtained from a single test are not used because they contain errors. The procedure is therefore repeated at least three times to obtain final values. Little kids who cannot understand instructions cannot also be tested because of the same reason.
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