Abstract
A method for measuring the total lung capacity by helium dilution in a constant volume, closed circuit, rebreathing system is described. The description includes details of apparatus, methods of procedure and calculation, variations encountered, and sources of error and their correction. A simple means of determining the time lag for achieving a stable reading of helium concentration in the system is also described so that the helium mixing time can be standardized among laboratories as a measure of intrapulmonary gas distribution. Evidence is provided that changes as large as 1,200 ml in the volume of the system during the rebreathing period result in insignificant changes in the measurement of total lung capacity by this method.
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