Definition - What does Flow-Type Spirometer Calibration Check mean?
A flow-type spirometer calibration check is a daily procedure that measures the relative speed of air traveling through a spirometer at designated time intervals to establish whether the flow rate meets the criteria for acceptable usage during examinations. The process involves the application of a three-liter calibration syringe in which three independent tests are conducted at different time intervals in order to calculate the airflow speed that can be compared to a fixed range value, which determines if the spirometer can produce accurate results.
SureHire explains Flow-Type Spirometer Calibration Check
Flow-type spirometer calibration checks are a common procedure employed by a technologist who undertakes the responsibility of inspecting the airflow rate of a spirometer on a daily basis. The check results are compared against standard value requirements according to occupational health and safety administration (OSHA) regulations.
A technician will administer a series of three tests using the calibration syringe to inject a forced expulsion of air at varying speeds corresponding to three distinct time sequences, monitoring and analyzing feedback to ensure that each test value is concurrent within the normal range of air discharged into the spirometer. If the airflow released into the spirometer falls below the standard rate then this indicates defective connections found in hoses/tubes, spirometer, and/or mouthpiece. If the spirometer fails the calibration check, it can not be used with patients until it is repaired and can pass the calibration check.
