The professional's guide to product selection
This pocket-sized peak flow meter is suitable for both adults and children and features a patented tamper-proof zoning system that allows safe and accurate self-management. It has been calibrated by hand to ensure consistency. This EU scale version measures peak expiratory flow in the range 60–720 l/min. It is suitable for adults and children and recommended only for single-patient use. It includes optional zoning markers and is lightweight and compact.
A lightweight, inexpensive blood oxygen saturation and heart rate monitor. It can measure SpO2 between 35–99% with an accuracy of +/- 2%, and pulse between 30–240 BPM with an accuracy of +/-2 BPM.
Stockist: Amazon.
The device fits a wide range of finger sizes and is simple to clean with a disinfectant wipe. The soft-sprung hinged design makes them very comfortable to wear, helping to gain fast and accurate measurements from often nervous patients.
Stockists: Pulmolink
This low range peak flow meter has a built-in one-way valve. It has an EU scale, which meets the new European standard EN13826.
• Extremely comfortable
• Slimline shape
• Compact, robust and portable
• Ideal for self checking in the home or patient assessment in ambulances, clinics or on the wards
• Rotatable two-colour numeric display with six display screens, making it ideal for both right- and left handed
• Ten categories of adjustable brightness for use in all light levels.
Stockists: Pulmolink
This small and portable spirometer measures FEV1, FVC, FEV6, PEF, FEV1/FVC, FEV1/FEV6, F25–75.
A choice of four indices can be displayed on the high definition backlit display. Predicted values are displayed as either % predicted or z score, and post- bronchodilator option shows a % change display. It has a rechargeable battery (the charger is supplied in the carry case with the unit).
Stockists: Medisave, Williams Medical Supplies.
For patients with very low peak flow readings. This meter is individually calibrated to ensure high levels of inter- and intra-device accuracy. The one-way valve reduces the risk of cross infection.
Stockist: Medisave
The Windmill Trainer has been designed as a training aid to develop good peak expiratory flow (PEF) technique in:
• children
• elderly
• people with language or learning difficulties.
The windmill adds an element of fun, particularly for children.
Stockist: Medisave
NIOX is a widely used, non-invasive, point-of-care medical technology that enables clinicians to objectively assess airway inflammation with a quick and accurate measure of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO).
Exhalation flow control ensures measurement results are only delivered if the test has been carried out correctly in the correct conditions.
The NIOX VERO is suitable for both adults and children (age 4 and above), and features patient facing display, 2 exhalation modes, measurement result memory, and is service and maintenance free.
A fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) breath testing monitor to measure airway inflammation and improve asthma management.
The NObreath has been recommended by NICE to measure FeNO and aid in diagnosing asthma, in adults and children, as well as monitoring and managing asthma symptoms.
The monitor incorporates a colour touchscreen. The battery indicator shows you how much battery you have left and when you need to change your NObreath batteries. It has adult and child compatibility profiles, an internal pump and no scrubber.
• measuring range 60–900 l/min
• accuracy of <5%
• recommended shelf life of three years
• conforms to EU standards.
Early detection and treatment of COPD can positively influence the disease course, therefore it is important to screen patients at risk. The PulmoLife COPD screening monitor can be used for a quick check of lung function to highlight sign of disease as early as possible.
Its features include a clear visible display and a choice of predicted values.
Stockists: Medisave, Williams Medical Supplies.
SpiroSense is a PC spirometer (SpiroSensePro) for healthcare professionals, which also includes the option of adding a mobile spirometer (mySpiroSense) for patients to use at home. This combination of spirometers enables the snapshot readings obtained in the clinic by the healthcare professional to be supplemented with measurements taken by the patient at home.
The patient spirometer, mySpiroSense, stores a complete FVC in an electronic diary. A traffic light feedback system provides the patient with information about the quality of the measurement he has performed. At the next clinic visit, the stored data can be downloaded to the SpiroSensePro Software for evaluation by the practitioner.
Automatic calibration ensures data quality and hot wire sensor technology provides high measurement accuracy, even at low flow rates. The software presents the parameters in graph form.
A software animation program means that even small children can perform the correct breathing technique, so SpiroSense is particularly suitable for use in paediatrics.
Stockists: Pari Medical
This is a plug-and-play PC-based spirometry device, most suited for a paediatric environment or for those with learning difficulties. The spirometer plugs directly into the USB port of a PC or laptop, without the need for an additional docking station or data uploading.
SpiroUSB performs open and closed-loop spirometry, and pre- and post-bronchodilator testing. The databases can be exported for further individual reporting. The large patient database allows results to be saved or transferred as required.
Stockists: Williams Medical
This spirometer uses the highly acclaimed Fleisch Pneumotachograph technology for flow measurement. It has a touchscreen with an icon driven menu and a large bright high resolution colour display. It has an in-built printer and can store data for up to 10,000 patients. It has automatic two-way synchronisation to Vitalograph Spirotrac Software and can link to popular practice management systems. There are over 50 test parameters to choose from, pre- and post-bronchodilator comparisons can be made and there is a choice of incentives to use.
Stockists: Vitalograph, Primary Care Supplies, Medisave.
A simple respiratory monitor that measures PEF and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1).
FEV1 has less diurnal variability and is less effort dependent than PEF, so is a valuable measure. Suitable for home or clinic use, the device can be integrated with a smartphone or tablet for ePRO data collection. It offers greater accuracy than mechanical peak flow meters and eliminates the need for paper record cards.
It automatically stores best readings and displays each reading as a percentage of the personal best for both PEF and FEV1. The PEF and FEV1 zones can be personalised and 600 test sessions can be saved.
It has a large easy-to-read display and uses AAA batteries. It has an easy to clean mouthpiece and flowhead and can be used in conjunction with Vitalograph SafeTway mouthpieces in a clinic.
The COPD-6 identifies those at risk of COPD at pre-symptomatic stage to allow early medical intervention and improve clinical outcomes. This device screens out those whose FEV1 is normal, and so do not have COPD, without the risk of false COPD negatives, allowing spirometry resources to be focused on those at greatest risk. It displays FEV1, FEV6, ratio and % predicted, obstructive index, COPD classification and ‘lung age’. It has a built-in quality of blow indicator on a large, easy-to-read display. This device has an easy-to-clean flowhead and can be used with SafeTway mouthpieces.
Stockists: Vitalograph, Medscope.
Vitalograph In2itive™ combines the benefits of full spirometry, data integration and mobility in a small lightweight, handheld spirometer. The Fleisch flow measuring technology and a simple icon-driven menu, plus a large, high resolution colour touchscreen and storage capacity for 10,000 subjects, makes In2itive a solution for high quality spirometry on the move. Subject data can be entered manually or by downloading from Spirotrac Software. Features include:
• removable flowhead, SafeTway mouthpieces or BVF bacterial/viral filters
• long hours of battery life
• over 50 test parameters
• pre- and post-bronchodilator comparison
• choice of child incentives with sound effects
• print via PC or via Spirotrac Software
• carrying case.
Stockists: Vitalograph, Medisave.
This is a compact, lightweight, handheld spirometer. It has a full colour touchscreen and an icon-driven menu. It comes with Vitalograph Reports Software, which provides configurable PDF reports for archiving or printing. Features include:
• flow/volume and volume/time curves in real time
• expandable graph views for full visualisation
• display overlay of three best blows
• choice of over 40 parameters
• pre- and post-bronchodilator testing options
• removable flowhead for easy cleaning.
Stockists: Vitalograph, Medisave.
The web-enabled myPEF is supplied with a unique ID card allowing users access to a secure website where they can enter their PEF readings. This eliminates the need for paper records and supports data accuracy. Data trending and customised colour zones can provide pre-symptomatic indications of potential asthma exacerbations. It has easy-to-read graphical data display and report generation featuring plotting, trending and time stamping functions. Clinicians can be granted access to view patients’ PEF results online for reliable, cost-effective remote monitoring. Ergonomically designed for maximum comfort and ease of use.
The SafeTway® mouthpiece allows entry of expired air into the measuring system, but not back to the test subject. This simple, yet effective patented design allays concerns about accidental inhalation of pathogens.
The SafeTway is an inexpensive alternative to the bacterial viral filter for expiratory only testing. It fits most pulmonary function test equipment, including peak flow meters. An adaptor may be required.
The Mini SafeTway with a 22mm diameter mouthpiece is available for paediatric use or for older test subjects who have difficulty fitting their mouth properly around the standard-size mouthpiece.
Other similar generic one-way valve mouthpieces are available from suppliers.
Stockists: Vitalograph, Medisave, Primary Care Supplies.
Vivatmo Pro FeNO device was specially developed for professional use. Thanks to its simple measuring procedure and intuitive use, it can be smoothly integrated into practice workflows. It is a compact and mobile measuring unit. Vivatmo Pro is maintenance-free, with no calibration required during the unit’s entire service life. Data and patient management can be done directly using the touch screen, and the device integrates with practice IT systems. Measurements are easy, thanks to intuitive user guidance and visual animation to assist in the correct breathing technique.
Stockists: Medisave.