How to Test a Spirometer

A spirometer is a device that measures and records the volume of air that is being breathed in and out of your lungs during a set time. The spirometer is often used by doctors when trying to diagnose a patient who may have a lung disease such as asthma, bronchitis or emphysema. Since this device is used in a medical setting, it is imperative that it is in proper working order. According to CanaHome, a spirometer should be tested or calibrated daily for optimum use.

Things You'll Need

• 3-liter spirometry syringe

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Instructions

• 1

  Turn the spirometer onto calibration mode. This will ensure that your test of the spirometer is accurate.

• 2

  Use a 3-liter spirometry syringe to inject into the spirometer. Depress the syringe's plunger in the input end of the spirometer at a steady rate, and try not to stop the plunger too quickly at the end of the syringe. This should make the spirometer output read at 3L+3 percent. Follow the syringe manufacturer's guidelines exactly for using this instrument.

• 3

  Check the spirometer output reading. If it has the correct reading done, no other testing or calibration needs to be done at this time. If it is reading incorrectly, move onto Step 4.

• 4

  Adjust the spirometer by either software correction or by adjustment of the analog output signal, according to CanaHome. Either way you will want to check your spirometer manufacturer's operating manual to see how your model is adjusted.