CALIBRATION AND STABILITY OF STANDARD AND MINI-WRIGHT PEAK FLOW METERS

Abstract

Periodic checks of peak flowmeter (PFM) stability is essential to ensure meaningful application even when the PFM are only used to measure the relative changes in patient peak flow rate. Calibration of PFM becomes necessary when peak flow readings are to be interpreted precisely. Techniques and flow systems which offer ease and accuracy in calibrating and/or checking PFM were tested on standard wright and mini-wright PFM. Individual Wright PFM were stable over a 6 mo. testing period. PFM readings varied from actual flow; variation from actual flow was greatest among the mini-Wright PFM.