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The instrument used to measure lung capacity and volume is called a spirometer.
The record obtained from this device is called a spirogram.
A spirometer is an apparatus for measuring the volume of air inspired and expired by the lungs. It is a precision differential pressure transducer for the measurements of respiration flow rates.
The spirometer records the amount of air and the rate of air that is breathed in and out over a specified period.
Spirometers are calibrated containers that collect gas and make measurements of lung volume or capacity that can be expired.
Spirometer is one of the equipment used for basic Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs).
It is useful as a preliminary test of the health condition for patient's lung. Lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema can be ruled out from the tests. In addition, it is often used for finding the cause for shortness of breath, assessing the effects of contaminants on lung functions, effect of medication, and progress for disease treatment
During a spirometry test, a patient places their mouth over the mouthpiece of the spirometer, takes a deep breath in, and then blows out as forcefully as possible.
Spirometry gives health care professionals two important numbers that may indicate problems with lung function.
These are:
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) - how much air you can blow out of your lungs
Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1) - the amount of air you can blow out in 1 second
