Authors: Baldwin, Matthew R; Checkley, William; Wise, Robert A; Khatry, Subarna K; LeClerq, Steve C; West, Keith P

Source: Respiratory Care, Volume 55, Number 4, April 2010 , pp. 443-452(10)

Publisher: The Journal Respiratory Care Company

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: We developed a systematic method of cleaning and calibration-checking for the pneumotachometer tube of the SpiroPro portable spirometer; this method maximized spirometry accuracy in a population-based study in a remote area of Nepal. METHODS: We tested 10 factory-calibrated pneumotachometer tubes. Each use consisted of a full set of spirometry maneuvers, per the American Thoracic Society (ATS) spirometry criteria. RESULTS: The pneumotachometers remained accurate, per the ATS criteria, for 5-9 disinfections, but began to drift toward inaccuracy after the first disinfection. All the pneumotachometers had become inaccurate, per the ATS criteria, after 10 disinfections. CONCLUSIONS: In a remote field setting the SpiroPro pneumotachometer tube can be cleaned and reused 5-9 times before it becomes inaccurate per the ATS criteria. Rigorous rinsing in distilled water and repeated calibration checks, at various flows up to 12 L/s, are essential for precise and accurate spirometry with the SpiroPro. Reusing the SpiroPro pneumotachometer in a remote setting may impose measurement bias. Single use of SpiroPro pneumotachometers, albeit more costly, will provide better data.

Keywords: spirometry, portable; pneumotachometer; calibration; accuracy; disinfection

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2010-04-01

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