Spirometer

A spirometer is an apparatus for measuring the volume of air inspired and expired by the lungs. A spirometer measures ventilation, the movement of air into and out of the lungs. The spirogram will identify two different types of abnormal ventilation patterns, obstructive and restrictive. There are various types of spirometers that use a number of different methods for measurement (pressure transducers, ultrasonic, water gauge).

The instrument used to measure lung capacity and volume is called a spirometer. Basically, the record obtained from this device is called a spirogram. Spirometers are calibrated containers that collect gas and make measurements of lung volume or capacity that can be expired. By adding a time base, flow–dependent quantities can be measured. The addition of gas analzsers makes the spirometer a complete pulmonary function testing laboratory.