Using a spirometer and lung volumes

Learning outcomes

By the end of this session you should:

•Be familiar with the two devices most commonly used to test lung function:

–Peak flow meter

–Vitalograph

•Understand the changes seen with these in obstructive and restrictive lung disease

Activities

Your tutor will initially go through a PowerPoint presentation to introduce lung function tests and spirometer measurements.

Following this, you will use lung volume testing equipment to simulate normal or abnormal spirometer readings.

PowerPoint files used in this session can be downloaded here or viewed below.