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.

This type of device is employed for numerous medical tests, including PFTs, also called Pulmonary Function Tests. This preliminary exam is done to test the health of the lungs. There are numerous diseases of this organ that can be ruled out based on the results of this test, including bronchitis, asthma and emphysema. Spirometers are also used to identify the effects that prescriptions and disease care have on lungs.

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.

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.

The full electronic types, and other electronic versions, do not need or having moving parts or fine meshes. Instead, they work by computing airflow rates based on channels. This technique renders the added parts useless. Furthermore, no equipment or techniques are applied to measure 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 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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