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Assessment of Pulmonary Capillary Blood Volume, Membrane Diffusing Capacity, and Intrapulmonary Arteriovenous Anastomoses During Exercise
Published on: February 20, 2017
Evaluation of a new electronic spirometer: the vitalograph "Escort" spirometer
1Respiratory Department, Bristol Royal Infirmary.
Thorax
|February 1, 1994
Summary
The Escort spirometer accurately measures forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), comparing well with other devices. This portable device provides comparable peak expiratory flow (PEF) results, making it a recommended tool for lung function testing.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Function Testing
- Medical Device Evaluation
- Respiratory Diagnostics
Background:
- The Escort spirometer is a portable, handheld device utilizing a Fleisch pneumotachograph.
- It measures forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) from a single maneuver.
- The device displays results on an LCD but lacks graphical output.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of the Escort spirometer.
- To compare its measurements of FEV1, FVC, and PEF against established devices like the Vitalograph S wedge bellows spirometer and a Wright PEF meter.
Main Methods:
- 113 subjects performed three FVC maneuvers on both the Escort and Vitalograph spirometers.
- Subjects also performed three PEF maneuvers on the Wright meter.
- The best reading for each index was recorded, with additional comparisons for specific maneuvers and repeated testing.
Main Results:
- The Escort spirometer demonstrated excellent agreement with the wedge bellows spirometer for FEV1 and FVC measurements.
- Peak expiratory flow (PEF) results from the Escort were comparable to those from the Wright meter.
- No significant impact of repeated maneuvers was observed on any measured indices.
Conclusions:
- The Escort spirometer is a reliable portable device for measuring FEV1 and FVC.
- Its PEF measurements are comparable to traditional methods.
- The study recommends the Escort spirometer for clinical use as a portable lung function assessment tool.
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