PASCO PS-2152 Spirometer - Manual (Page 2)

Spirometer How it works
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How it works
When the test subject breathes through the mouthpiece, a screen in the
mouthpiece induces a minute resistance to the air flow. This resistance
leads to a pressure differential across the screen that is measured via two air
lines that lead to a differential pressure transducer in the electronics
enclosure. The Spirometer contains onboard reference data of differential
pressures from known flow rates (a non-linear relationship). It determines
the test subject's flow rate by comparing the measured differential pressure
to the stored reference data. It calculates volume exchanged by integrating
the flow rate over time.
Sensor Setup
Connect a mouthpiece to the handle; note the small pin on the mouthpiece
and the aligning notch on the handle. Connect the electronics enclosure of
the sensor to your PASPORT interface.
(When you remove a used mouthpiece, pull it straight out from the handle
without rocking or wiggling it.)
Data Collection
Option 1: DataStudio Workbook File
On your computer, open the DataStudio file “Spirometer PFT.”* This file is
configured to collect and display data for a pulmonary function test. On-
screen instructions will guide students through data collection and analysis.
Students can review the test procedure and interpretation of PFT data by
completing the workbook, “Spirometer Background” before starting
“Spirometer PFT.”
Option 2: If you are not using the workbook file
Your PASPORT interface will record Flow Rate and Max Flow Rate (in
liters/second) and Total Flow (in liters), at a sampling rate of 50 Hz.
Flow Rate is the rate at which air flows through the mouthpiece. Air
expired from the lungs is measured as positive flow, inspired air as
negative. Max Flow Rate is the maximum exhaled flow rate measured
during the test. The sensor calculates Flow Volume by integrating Flow
Rate data over time. Flow Volume is the net volume of expired air (total
expired volume minus total inspired volume).
Plug in the sensor and launch DataStudio (if you are using a computer.)
The sensor will automatically be set up to record PFT data.
Mouthpiece and
Handle
*The Spirometer
workbook files are
located on the
included CD-ROM.
If you have installed
DataStudio version
1.9.5 or later, the
workbook files have
already been copied
to your computer.
Plug in the
Spirometer (with
DataStudio
not
running) and select
the workbook from
the list that appears.