Spirometry is a diagnostic test that measures lung function using a spirometer. A spirometer measures and records the amount (volume) and/or speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled or exhaled. It consists of a mouthpiece, nose clip, and device that records airflow. The procedure involves taking deep breaths and exhaling fully into the mouthpiece three times. Measurements obtained include forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume (FEV1), which are used to diagnose respiratory conditions. While generally safe, risks include dizziness. Accurate results require patient effort and cooperation, with tests repeated if values differ.

1. Spirometry
Prepared By
Zaid wa’ael Dagher
Mohammed AbdulKareim Jasim
Ayman Raid Noory
Hazem Ala’a Hussein
Sura Haqqi Kamel
Heba Qays
Russell Khaled Abed
Zahraa Abd Al-hameed Sahib
Supervised By
Dr. Ahmed H. Ali

2. Learning objectives
*Understand what is a spirometer
* Risks and limitations
*Parts
*Procedure
*Measurements

3. Understand what is a spirometer
Diagnostic device used to measure lung function-
-The name of this device derived from the Latin words SPIRO (to
breath) and METER ( to measure )
-The results shown on charts that plot the volume and flow of air
coming in or out
-Types of spirometer include pneumotachometer, Fully electronic
spirometer, incentive spirometer, tilt compensated spirometer and
windmill- type spirometer .
-It was invented in 1840 by an English surgeon John Hutchinson.

4. Understand what is a spirometer

5. Risks and limitations
-It is generally safe test, but we may feel dizzy or short of breaths. The test is
NOT performed if you had a recent heart attack and rarely it may triggers
sever breathing problems .
-There is limitation of this test because it depends on the patient cooperation
and effort . As doctors we will have to repeat the test three times to get an
accurate results .

6. Parts
-The nose plug ; make sure that all the air comes through the mouth.
-Mouth piece ; sit inside the lips and front of the teeth attached to plastic tube to the
device.
-The breathing coach indicator ; small plastic bead set inside a vacuum chamber.
; main chamber of the spirometer .-The barrel
-The piston ; large flat weight that rises in the barrel as the user blows his breaths out,
higher the piston greater the volume of the exhalation
-Adjustable indicator ; small plastic arrow attaches to a slide on the out side of the
barrel

7. Procedure
Like any other test you should
prepare for it by following doctor’s
instructions . For example you
should avoid use of inhaled
breathing medication and other
preparations include wearing loose
clothing also avoid eating a large
meal therefor you will be able to
breath easier.
Usually the test take about 15m
Steps
1- you will be seated in a chair then
someone will place a clip on your
nose, also a cup-like breathing
mask placed around your mouth.
2- Then you will take a deep breath
in , hold it for few seconds and
then exhale as hard as you can
3- The test will be repeated three
times, then the highest value from
three close test reading will be
taken as your final result.

8. Procedure
4- If there was an evidence of a
breathing disorder, you will take
bronchodilator to open up the
lungs after the first round
5- Then you will have to wait for
about 15m before doing another
set of measurement.
6- Before doing any of these steps
, we should check the patient
height, weight, sex and age, we do
this because normal values
depend on it.

9. Measurement

10. Measurement

11. Measurement

12. Measurement
Patient 1

13. Measurement
Patient 2

14. Ask me a
Question

15. SOURCES
*Medical physics by Johan R. Cameron
*Wikipedia
*Maxim integrated website
*Health line website
*Medisave .uk website
*NXP website