The Key Features Of Spirometers

By Tonia Merritt


In the health care field, a lot of physicians use spirometers. These are special machines that are designed to check air volume of lungs. Essentially, the devices test the total amount of air that is being inhaled and exhaled by way of the lungs. This unit is also made to record the rate and total of air that is breathed in a set amount of time. It offers information on the respiration rates and may be called 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 first of such structures was created during the 1900s. It was a dry-bellowed wedge version designed by Brodie TG. Prior to this development, unsuccessful attempts had been made to create a device that measure lung volume. Since this invention in 1902, the device has improved in many respects and is now highly effective. Other people who were involved in the development of this apparatus include DuBois AB, Woestijine JP and Compton SD.

Many different spirometer devices are available. Usually they only differ in the results they provide. Pneumotachometer, whole body plethysmograph, tilt-compensated, full electronic, peak flow, incentive meter and windmill are commonly used models.

The whole body plethysmograph, in comparison to other modern kinds, is deemed the most precise in terms of volume measurements. This particular kind is used on individuals while they are placed in small rooms. The pneumotachometer is capable of detecting any difference in pressure. This is done over fine mesh and the reason why it is also used to measure gas flow rates as well.

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 usually applied in order to repair lung function. Peak flow styles are helpful at checking ability to exhale, or breath air out of the lungs. Windmill, also known as spiropet, styles are often utilized to assess forced vital capacity. These do not utilize water. Tilt-compensated versions are newer and may be used in a horizontal position while the measurements are taken.

Spirometers are used in the health care industry as a way to test the respiratory function of the human lungs. There are a variety of versions that can be used and each one has its own components and results. Overall, the apparatus is effective when it comes to measuring the air volume that is inhaled or exhaled. This device is often employed during Pulmonary Function Tests. The first meter of this type was developed in the nineteenth century after many unsuccessful attempts were made to create a machine that tests lung function.




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