The Key Features Of Spirometers

By Tonia Merritt


Spirometers is the name of a special devices that are applied to check the air volume inhaled and exhaled via the human lungs. This device also records the amount of air and the rate at which this air is breathed within a certain time. It handles calculations of respiration rates and as a result of this, is referred to as a pressure transducer.

The machine is employed for many different medical exams, including PFTs or Pulmonary Function Tests. The PFT is a preliminary test that is done in order to check overall lung health. There are many diseases that can be ruled out just by looking at the PFT results, such as: bronchitis, asthma and emphysema. Spirometers can be used when checking the effectiveness of prescriptions and treatments too.

The 1900s saw the first of these devices. It was made by Brodie TG and known as a dry-bellowed wedge model. Prior to this, other attempts were made to create a unit that could check lung volume. Since this wedge model in 1902, the machine has undergone much improvement. It is not very effective. DuBois AB, Compton SD and Woestijine JP are just some of the other individuals who had a role in the development of this apparatus.

There are multiple versions of spirometers available for use. Often they differ the most in the results that they offer. Full electronic, peak flow, windmill, whole body plethysmograph, pneumotachometer, incentive meter and tilt-compensated are just some examples of the different models used in modern times.

When compared to other modern versions on the market, the whole body plethysmograph is known as the highest in accuracy of volume measurements. This type is used on people who are placed in a small space. The pneumotachometer is able to detect difference in pressure. This is possible via fine mesh. Pneumotachometers are also employed to measure the gas flow rates.

Fully electronic versions, and other electronic models, do not require fine meshes or moving parts. They are able to compute the airflow rates by using channels, rendering these extra parts unnecessary. They also do not apply techniques or equipment such as ultrasonic transducers to measure the airflow speed.

Incentive models are mostly used to repair function of lungs. Peak flow versions are good for measuring ability of one to breath the air out, or exhale. Windmill, also called spiropet, meters are usually applied to measure forced vital capacity. Still, they do not use water. Tilt-compensated styles are more modern and can be in a horizontal position when measurements are being recorded.

Spirometers are devices utilized in the health care field to measure the respiratory function of human lungs. There are a variety of models that are used, each providing its own features and results. In general, the devices are used when measuring volume of air inhaled or exhaled. This apparatus is often used for PFTs. The first invention of the meter was during the nineteenth century, but attempts to create a similar device precede that original device.




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