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| Typical Number in Hospital: 5 | Cost Bands: 2 | References: 2,6 |
A hand-held device into which the patient blows with maximum force after a deep breath and which shows the peak flow rate reached during the forced expiration. The device operates by the air deflecting a vane against a spiral spring. As the vane moves further round the dial, more escape holes are uncovered. There is a ratchet to hold the vane in the furthest position reached, and a release/reset button is provided. Typical peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) for an adult male is 7 l/min. Other (electronic) types of peak flowmeter exist. It is used in the lung function laboratory.
Content and Design Copyright 2000 Dr. Malcolm C Brown. See Title Page for more details