A simple and innovative device to measure arm volume at home for patients with lymphedema after breast cancer.
OBJECTIVE
We designed an arm volumeter specifically for home use based on the water displacement method. The objective of this study was to determine its accuracy and precision, and compare it with a standard volumeter used in lymphedema clinics worldwide.


METHODS
Using a standard model hospital volumeter and our own device, we took three consecutive measurements of 11 specially cast cylinders, which had known volumes ranging from 10 mL to 4 L, and measurements of both arms of 15 volunteers.


RESULTS
Measurements with both volumeters were highly accurate (R2 = 0.9999) when compared with the known volumes of the cast cylinders, and were strongly correlated (R2 = 0.9974) when each arm volume was compared between volumeters. Measurements with our volumeter were more precise both with the cylinders (average standard deviation [SD], 3.2 v 8 mL; P = .0553) and with the arms (average SD, 11.1 v 19 mL; P = .0034). Whereas the standard volumeter is expensive, fragile (acrylic), and prone to leaks, our volumeter is inexpensive, virtually indestructible, leak proof, and suitable for home use.


CONCLUSIONS
Arm volumes can be measured quickly and accurately at home using a simple, inexpensive, and robust device based on water displacement. Readily accessible arm volumetry at home may have widespread influence on the management of lymphedema after breast cancer.
Lette
Jean
J
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Maisonneuve Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada. jlette@lette.com
D000886:Anthropometry / Q000379:methods*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D018450:Disease Progression; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D048228:Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008405:Massage; D008875:Middle Aged; D012648:Self Care / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome