Peak flow meters: a problem of scale.

摘要: Martin Wright and colleagues pioneered the measurement of peak expiratory flow in late 1950s produced small, mechanically based, hand held meters.1,2 The use this measure lung performance has recently come to fore with promotion self management plans for asthma that base advice about treatment on changes flow.*RF 3-5* This focused attention meters' performance, concern now exists their accuracy. The meters added Britain's drug tariff 1990 are robust give consistent readings. first evidence questioning accuracy was presented British Thoracic Society more than three years ago,6 these findings have subsequently been confirmed.7,8 Although reasonably accurate readings at low flows, they may overread by 701/min middle range underread 50 l/min high range. Some people deem an error 15% is acceptable such cost meters, but problem inaccuracy varies across so assessing …