What is Spirometry Testing? (Medical Definition)

What is Spirometry Testing? What is a Spirometer? Watch this video for the medical definition and a quick overview of this topic.

➡️ Spirometry Testing Overview
Spirometry is a PFT test that measures airflow and volume as it moves into and out of the patient’s lungs. This means that spirometry testing occurs during both the inspiratory and expiratory phases of the breathing cycle. This test is done by having the patient take a deep breath in, followed by a fast, maximum exhalation. This maneuver is repeated three times in order to obtain adequate test results. The results of a spirometry test are very dependant on the patient's effort. For example, if the patient gives poor effort during the test or does not use proper technique, the results could be inadequate. You should also know that spirometry testing is often performed before and after a bronchodilator medication is administered in order to assess how well the patient's airways respond to the drug.

➡️ What is a Spirometer?
It's one of the most common devices that are used during Pulmonary Function Testing. When a patient breathes into and out of a spirometer, it can measure the volume of air and the flow rate during the ventilatory cycle. Since it measures both volume and flow, this means that it’s useful in identifying both obstructive and restrictive respiratory conditions.

➡️ A spirometer can be used to obtain the following measurements:
- Tidal Volume (VT)
- Minute Ventilation (MV)
- Vital Capacity (VC)
- Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)
- Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)
- Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1)
- Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)
- Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV)
- Forced Expiratory Flow (FEF)
- Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV)
- Total Lung Capacity (TLC)

There are different types of spirometers that are indicated at different times during Pulmonary Function Testing. Here are some of the most common examples...

➡️ Types of Spirometers:
- Volume-Displacement Spirometer
- Water-Seal Spirometer
- Dry Rolling Seal Spirometer
- Bellows-Type Spirometer
- Flow-Sensing Spirometer
- Portable (Office) Spirometer
- Ultrasonic Spirometer

We will be talking more about each type in separate videos. Also, for this one, we just wanted to provide you with a quick overview of this topic. We'll be breaking down the process of spirometry into much more details in separate videos.

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🚑MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with a physician with any questions that you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you watch in this video. We strive for 100% accuracy, but errors may occur, and medications, protocols, and treatment methods may change over time.

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⏰TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:22 - Spirometry Testing Overview
1:19 - What is a Spirometer?
1:45 - Spirometer Measurements
2:15 - Types of Spirometers

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🖼CREDIT FOR MUSIC AND GRAPHICS:

#RespiratoryTherapy #Spirometry #Spirometer

[hihowareyou]

Thank u for posting i was meant to see this today, I have sever copd and im sitting here feeling more breathless than usual I need to find my peak flow machine to keep an eye on my lungs god is good thank u again 🥰🙏🙏

[eileenpawluk]

You keep mentioning that you will follow up in later videos. Why is it that we never see them??

[sharan]

I spit up so much Phlegm,
that I was looking
for a plane to Belgium !