An Evaluation of the Accuracy of Mini-Wright Peak Flow Meter

Abstract

Background : Portable devices for measuring peak expiratory flow(PEF) are now of proved value in the diagnosis and management of asthma and many lightweight PEF meters have become available. However, it is necessary to determine whether peak expiratory flow rate(PEFR) measurements measured with peak flowmeters is accurate and reproducible for clinical application. The aim of the present study is to define accuracy, agreement, and precision of mini-Wright peak flow meter(MPFM) against standard pneumotachygraph. Methods : The lung function tests by standard pneumotachygraph and PEFR measurement by MPFM were performed in a random order for 2 hours in 22 normal and 17 asthmatic subjects and also were performed for 3 successive days in 22 normals. Results : The PEFR measured with MPFM was significantly related to the PEFR and measured with standard pneumotachygraph in normal and asthmatics(for PEFR, r = 0.92 ; p , r = 0.78 ; p 0.05) and the coefficient of variation() of PEFR measured with MPFM was significantly lower than that() with standard pneumotachygraph in normal (p