General
The Peak Flow Measurement measures the strength of exhaling. This test is often used in healthcare to look at the peak flow of, for instance, COPD patients. If the strength is drastically decreased or declines rapidly, it is possible that something is wrong in the airway system (this is not necessarily the case).
Content
The test consists of the following components:
- Measuring moment
Procedure
Place the mouthpiece on the peak flow meter. Set the air indicator to zero and stand up straight. Inhale deeply and place the mouthpiece over your lips. Exhale as powerfully as possible and hold the peak flow meter as still as possible.
Read the value and repeat the test three times. Write down the highest value.
Note
It is important that no ‘hah’ sound can be heard during exhaling. If a ‘hah’ sound can be heard, the result has been created with the tongue and the reading is invalid.
Steps
- Place the mouthpiece on the peak flow meter;
- Set the air indicator to zero and stand up straight;
- Inhale deeply and place the mouthpiece over your lips;
- Exhale as powerfully as possible and hold the peak flow meter as still as possible;
- Read the value and repeat the test three times and write down the highest value.
Required equipment
For this test you need the following:
- Peak flow meter
- Mouthpiece
