Breathing is a natural physiological process, without which our life is impossible. Unfortunately, under the influence of negative external and internal factors, our respiratory system becomes vulnerable and prone to all kinds of diseases. For their detection in medicine, methods are used: CT, MRI, radiography. But even they do not determine whether the respiratory system is functioning correctly. For this purpose, spirometry is used. It allows you to evaluate the function of external respiration. For this procedure, a special device is used - a spirometer.
Content
A spirometer (spirograph, spiroanalyzer) is a medical device for checking the condition of the respiratory system. It measures the capacity of the lungs, fixes the indicators of the function of external respiration (RF), which is extremely necessary in the detection and further treatment of various pulmonary diseases.
Our rating will consider dry electronic spirometers. They are divided into 3 groups according to the place of use:
A clear advantage of portable devices is their mobility, small size and weight. This allows them to be used in field medical studies and even independently at home, if the state of the body requires constant monitoring of respiratory function. Such models are often equipped with Bluetooth and / or USB interfaces, which allows them to be connected to a PC for further analysis and interpretation of the received data.
As the name implies, stationary models have a permanent place of use, for example, a medical center. The essential advantages include their functionality. Most of them are equipped with large monitors, keyboard for data entry, thermal printer, powerful software for analysis of research results. Note that some stationary models are equipped with rechargeable batteries, which allows them to be used in the absence of electricity.
Computerized spirometers are equipped with the widest range of functions, although they differ in small dimensions. Thanks to special software, when connected to a PC, they turn into a powerful spiro laboratory with maximum functionality.
When buying a spirometer, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:
As we have already found out, spirometers, according to the possibility of their movement, are stationary and portable. The former are indispensable for research within a medical institution. They have a wider range of functions and measure more parameters. At the same time, they have large dimensions and are tied to a specific place (office). The latter are limited in functionality to standard options, but at the same time light and small-sized. This allows them to be used outside the medical facility.
This point follows from the first. Stationary models are powered by a household electrical network (220 V). Although some manufacturers supply their devices with rechargeable batteries in case of a power outage. Portable spirometers are powered by built-in batteries. Therefore, when purchasing a portable model, you should pay attention to the capacity of its battery and the duration of work without recharging.
It is necessary for the transfer of study data, their further analysis, the maintenance of a patient's medical history or for archiving. Portable devices for this purpose are often equipped with a USB connector or Bluetooth functionality. Therefore, if you need to connect to a PC, pay attention to the availability of the necessary software for the device.
As a rule, stationary models are equipped with a printer, but not all. The presence of a printer significantly increases the overall cost of the device. If you still have a printer, it is important to clarify what paper it works with.
A very useful option, but also increases the cost.
This is especially true for portable devices.
An important point, especially if the device will be used to monitor several patients.
In our rating, spirometers of the following manufacturers are considered:
Small in size, but impressive in its measuring functions, is a portable spirometer from Micro Loop. The device consists of two parts - a control unit with a color monitor and a bidirectional sensor. The model has ample opportunities for measuring the main parameters; with its help, 13 characteristics of inhalation and exhalation are determined and recorded. It is noteworthy that it is not necessary to check the calibration of the device every time (it does not feel changes in humidity and temperature), but periodic calibration is still needed. For ease of use, the device is equipped with a high-resolution color monitor. Control of the device and the choice of functions is carried out by means of a micro-mouse or a stylus. Communication with the computer is carried out through a micro-USB connector. The PC Spirometry software provides analysis and interpretation of the data obtained during the research, but it should be noted that it is not included in the basic package. The built-in memory is designed for 2500 tests. The big advantage of the model is the built-in animated text for spirometry in children. Powered by a rechargeable battery, which is recharged through the docking station from a 220 V network.
The cost is from 49,000 rubles.
Vitalograph's Micro model is a pneumotachograph and is ideal for applications where speed, accuracy and mobility are important. A simple and intuitive instrument for spirometry combines the necessary functions with measurement accuracy. Operating temperature range: 17 to 37ºC. The calibration procedure is as simple as possible and fully complies with international standards. The tool is equipped with a color touch screen with an intuitive menu. The results of spirometry are displayed on the screen in the form of digital data and curves. The model has the ability to connect to a PC via a micro-USB connector. The data is transferred to the computer in pdf format. The spirometer runs on Spirotrac software, which is compatible with many medical databases. It is noteworthy that this device uses Vitalograph bacterial and viral filters (BVF ™), which eliminate the need to purchase disposable components (sensors, turbines, etc.). Powered by 4 AAA alkaline batteries, as well as from a PC.
Cost: from 77800 rubles.
A modern portable device for autonomous spirometry. It can be used to carry out all the main spirometric studies of the function of external respiration with the fixation of 32 parameters. Thanks to the turbine sensor, all measurements are highly accurate. It also has a built-in Body Temperature Pressure Saturated (BTPS) sensor, eliminating the need for calibration. For ease of use, a backlit LCD display is provided, which displays the result of the test, and 5 control buttons. Built-in memory allows you to save up to 6000 tests. The USB port allows you to connect the device to a PC or printer to save, process or print the received information. The built-in WinspiroPRO software makes it possible to analyze the data obtained during the study, as well as maintain a database of each patient. It is important to note that this model provides complete hygiene of the procedure thanks to disposable sensors. Powered by a 9V PP3 battery, as well as from a PC via a USB cable.
Cost: from 86,000 rubles.
More detailed technical characteristics of the models in the table.
Specifications | MIR SpiroBank G USB | Vitalograph Spirotrac micro | MICRO DIRECT (CareFusion) MicroLoop |
---|---|---|---|
Spirometry tests | FVC, VC, MVV, PRE-POST | FVC, VC | VC, FVC, FEV, PEF, PIF, MEF, MVV, FET |
Maximum volume, l | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Maximum flow rate, l/s | 16 | 16 | |
Volume accuracy, ml | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Flow accuracy, ml/s | 200 | 200 | 300 |
Internal memory size, number of tests | 6000 | not specified | 2500 |
PC connectivity | USB port | micro USB port, Bluetooth | micro usb |
Dimensions, cm | 16.2x4.9x3.4 | 8.3x9.1x3.2 | 12x8x2 (device) 5x6x9 (sensor) |
Weight, g | 180 | 250 | 630 |
Without exaggeration, this model can be called a portable laboratory for spirometry. It includes a measurement module, software that analyzes results in real time, and a built-in thermal printer for reporting. But more about everything. The Spirolab III model allows not only to carry out spirometry for all possible parameters, but with the help of an optional module to measure SpO2 and heart rate. Up to 8 tests are simultaneously displayed on a large color screen (240x320 px). Thanks to the friendly WinspiroPRO software, the device can work online as a spiro analyzer with instant interpretation. Connection with PC is carried out via USB or RS232 interface, wireless data transfer via Bluetooth is possible. The internal memory is designed for 6 thousand tests. It is important to note that the model is equipped with a thermal printer, with the help of which reports are displayed on paper 112 mm wide. The procedure is absolutely hygienic, because. it is possible to work with disposable turbines for individual use.Both stationary use with 220 V power supply and portable operation thanks to a rechargeable battery are possible.
Cost - from 203,000 rubles.
Spirovit SP-1 is a spiro analyzer from the well-known Swiss manufacturer of medical equipment SCHILLER. With it, you can measure all indicators of the function of external respiration in accordance with European standards. The model is designed as a stationary one powered by a household mains, but if necessary, it can operate from built-in rechargeable batteries. It combines in one case all the necessary components - a display, a memory unit, a battery, a printer. It is noteworthy that you can get a report just a few seconds after the measurements and in a convenient format. Communication with PC is carried out via RS232 connector. The data obtained during spirometry can be exported to various text and graphic editors.
Cost - from 295,000 rubles.
You can compare technical data in the table below.
Specifications | MIR Spirolab III | SCHILLER Spirovit SP-1 |
---|---|---|
Spirometry tests | FVC, VC, MVV, PRE-POST | FVC, SVC, MVV, MV, PRE-POST |
Maximum volume, l | 10 | not specified |
Maximum flow rate, l/s | 16 | not specified |
Volume accuracy, ml | 50 | not specified |
Flow accuracy, ml/s | 200 | not specified |
Internal memory size, number of tests | 6000 | 100 |
PC connectivity | USB port, RSR232, Bluetooth | RSR232 |
Ability to work offline | there is | there is |
Availability of a printer | there is | there is |
Dimensions, cm | 31x20.5x6.5 | 29x21x6.9 |
Weight, g | 1900 | 2900 |
Spirolan Plus can be fully called the best Russian-made computerized spirometer. It attracts not only with its relatively low cost, but also with its technical capabilities. It can be used to measure more than 40 FVD parameters. Built-in BTPS sensors that take into account the temperature and pressure in the room provide high measurement accuracy. The device allows to carry out spirometry for adults and children. Note that the results obtained are compared with the proper values depending on the age of the patient (child / adult).Connects to a computer (1.4 GHz, 2048 MB RAM, Windows XP, 7/8/10, Linux) via a USB port, which allows real-time registration of study data. Based on the results of the measurements, the spiroanalyzer issues a conclusion, which, if necessary, can be corrected by the doctor. The device is also powered from the USB port.
Cost - from 77,000 rubles. (basic equipment).
A very compact and easy-to-use spirometer from the Italian company MIR. Connected to a PC via a USB port, a small device turns into a real spiro laboratory. It measures not only the main parameters of the respiratory function, but also analyzes, interprets the received data, automatically saves them to a database, extrapolates the age of the lungs, etc. The powerful WinspiroPRO software integrates the device into the hospital network. The program has a friendly interface and intuitiveness. The device is characterized by high measurement accuracy due to the built-in temperature sensor, which corrects the received data. It is worth noting that this spirograph is equipped with children's animation, which allows you to correctly carry out spirometry even in babies.
Cost: from 99200 rubles.
Details of the technical characteristics of both models in the table below.
Specifications | "Lanamedica" Spirolan | MIR Minispir USB |
---|---|---|
Spirometry tests | VC, FVC, MVV, FEV, MTV | FVC, VC, MVV, PRE-POST |
Maximum volume, l | 15 | not specified |
Maximum flow rate, l/s | 18 | 16 |
Volume measurement error, % | 3 | 3 |
Flow measurement error, % | 3 | 5 |
PC connections | USB | USB |
Dimensions, cm | 12x3x14 | 5.2x12.8x2.6 |
Weight, g | 300 | 70 |
The rating presented the best models of portable, stationary and computer spirographs currently used in the medical centers of the country.