An evaluation of the assess peak flow meter on human volunteers

The Assess peak flow meter was tested by comparing PEF values obtained on it for 49 normal subjects, with the values obtained for the same subjects on the Wright and mini-Wright meters. Its reproducibility was tested by comparing its coefficient of variation with that of the other 2 instruments. PEF values on the Assess were 5% lower in lower ranges and 9% higher in higher ranges tested as compared with those on the Wright. Values from the mini-Wright and Wright paralleled each other with the former values 3-5% higher. Variabilities on the Assess were 20-50% higher than those of the other 2 meters. Further, PEF values > 670 L/min could not be read by the Assess. Although the Assess fulfils necessary criteria for accuracy and reproducibility, it appears to be less reliable than the other 2 instruments, and its range limits and utility.