calibration and quality control

What is calibration ?

This is comparing the measurements of two instruments; one with a known magnitude or correctness (standard devise), against which you measure and correct if necessary

If calibration is unsuccessful the spirometer will need to be sued to the manufacturer to be recalibrated, it cannot be used for testing until it can be successfully calibrated

Calibration at different flows- some spirometers also require calibration at different flow rates, and it is good practice to do so. Low middle and high flow rates are generated by applying different pressure to the calibration syringe

What is verification ?

Verification is checking an instrument and ensuring that any error of measurement is within permissible limits, spirometers have their calibration verified by injecting a known volume, a 3 litre syringe is used and the verification is acceptable if it +/- 3% of the true value

Why do we do spirometry ?

Spirometer are precision instruments which have been calibrated by the manufacture, if the accuracy is not checked, then errors would go undetected

Correct interpretation of spirometry can only be made of the results are accurate, by performing to ARTP standards, you have confidence in the results produced

Physiological control

Calibration log book