RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A Cleaning and Calibration Method for the SpiroPro Portable Spirometer's Pneumotachometer Tube in a Remote Field Study
JF Respiratory Care
FD American Association for Respiratory Care
SP 443
OP 452
VO 55
IS 4
A1 Matthew R Baldwin
A1 William Checkley
A1 Robert A Wise
A1 Subarna K Khatry
A1 Steve C LeClerq
A1 Keith P West, Jr
YR 2010
UL http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/55/4/443.abstract
AB 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.