Pocket computer for interpretation of office spirometry.
Office spirometry is an integral part of the evaluation of any patient with known or suspected lung disease. Though accurate and affordable bellows-type spirometers are available to clinicians, the available microprocessors that calculate test results markedly increase the cost of the equipment. I have successfully used an inexpensive pocket computer programmed to provide predicted values and interpretation of test results, printing this information in a format suitable for mounting in the office chart. The reliability of the results and interpretations permits convenient and low-cost pulmonary function testing in office patients when clinically warranted.
Heffner
J E
JE
Division of Pulmonary Medicine and Critical Care, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425.
D000328:Adult; D003201:Computers; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D008905:Minicomputers; D012984:Software; D012985:Software Design; D013147:Spirometry