The Miniwright peak flow meter as a lung function measuring device

The Miniwright peak flow meter was studied in the laboratory and on over 1000 adult men and women of an entire community. The relationship between the Miniwright and the Wright meters was non-linear and it is suggested that the scale should be understood in terms of peak flow units rather than implying a measurement in liters per minute. There was sufficient error in the readings given by one of the five meters examined to recommend that repeat examinations upon any one patient should always be made using the same instrument. The instrument tested clinically was rugged, reliable, easy to use and its calibration did not change by more than +/- 2 percent after being used more than 4000 times. Charts to show normal peak flow readings for non-asthmatic men and women of working age have been produced. The instrument appears to be a useful tool for both survey work and for monitoring those who may be exposed to bronchoconstricting agents.