Home >> Science & Nature >> Science

Wet Spirometer Instructions

A wet spirometer is a simple medical device that measures vital capacity, which is the maximum amount of air a person can expel from his lungs. The patient blows into a breathing hose that fills a chamber suspended in water. The more air is expelled by the patient, the more the chamber rises in the water and the greater the volume reading. Using a wet spirometer is not difficult, but you do need to follow the proper protocol to get an accurate reading. Before you try it for the first time on a patient, take a reading of your own vital capacity so you understand how it works.

Things You'll Need

Wet spirometer
Disposable mouthpiece

Instructions

- 1
  Set up the wet spirometer by filling it to the fill line indicated on the side with water. The device doesn't require any electricity to work.
- 2
  Attach a disposable mouthpiece to the valve on the wet spirometer. Clamp your nose closed with your fingers so you are only breathing through your mouth.
- 3
  Breathe normally through your mouth a few times and exhale into the tube. Record the reading on the wet spirometer as the tidal volume, which is the normal amount of air you expel with one breath when you are breathing normally.
- 4
  Take a deep breath, inhaling as much air as you possibly can. Exhale into the tube. Try to direct your entire exhaled breath into the tube for the most accurate measurement. Record the reading on the machine as vital capacity.
- 5
  Repeat the tests once more and average the results.

Science