Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
A Detailed Protocol for Perspiration Monitoring Using a Novel, Small, Wireless Device
Published on: November 24, 2016
Validation of a novel respiratory rate monitor based on exhaled humidity
M Niesters1, R Mahajan, E Olofsen
1Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
Background:
Postoperative monitoring of ventilation is largely restricted to the measurement of haemoglobin-oxygen saturation and respiratory rate (RR) derived from the ECG. measurement is inadequate when used with supplemental oxygen and ECG-derived RR is subject to artifacts. A new monitor measures RR by quantifying the humidity of exhaled air (respiR8(®)).
Methods:
The accuracy of the system was tested using a breathing simulator. In healthy volunteers, the respiR8(®) monitor was compared with two other methods of measuring RR: capnometry and counting of thoracic breathing movements. The ability of the monitor to track changes in RR resulting from the infusion of 2.5 μg kg(-1) fentanyl was assessed and compared with RR measured from a validated flow measurement system. The RR in 50 postoperative patients measured with the respiR8(®) was compared with that derived from the ECG. RR values were compared by population-based Bland-Altman analyses.
Results:
The respiR8(®) monitor was accurate in the range required in clinical practice. There was a close agreement between RR from respiR8(®), capnometry, and manual counting of respiratory movements without bias (limits of agreement ±1 bpm). The respiR8(®) monitor was well able to accurately track RR changes from fentanyl. In postoperative patients, RR from respiR8(®) and ECG had a bias of 1.7 (5.7) bpm due to greater RR values observed from the ECG due to artifacts.
Conclusions:
The respiR8(®) gives an accurate measurement of RR and is useful in postoperative care.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
01:23Assessment of Respiration
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD,...
01:19Special considerations while measuring oxygen saturation
Ensuring accuracy in vital sign recordings while prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing anxiety is important.
01:29Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
01:17Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this principle...
01:15Respiratory Volumes
Tidal Volume (TV) Tidal volume (TV) is the air inhaled or exhaled in a...