Spirometrics Spiro Flow User manual
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Spiro Flow™
Spirometrics®
Spirometrics Medical Equipment Co.
22 Shaker Rd. P.O. Box 680 Gray, ME 04039
(800) 767-0004 Fax: (207) 657-4123
www.spirometrics.com
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Peak Flo w Meter
Children’s
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Introduction
You are using the Children’s Spiro Flow™manufactured by
Spirometrics. This monitor meets all the technical standards
established by the National Asthma Education and Prevention
Program and other international standards.
Your Children’s Spiro Flow™was designed for use by patients
having a peak flow below 370 liters per minute. If your peak
flow is above 370 liters per minute, you should use the adult
(standard) version of theSpiro Flow™.
The 1997 National Heart Lung and Blood Institute in the
National Asthma Education and Prevention Program
recommended that individuals age five and older with
moderate or severe asthma monitor peak flow. Peak flow
may NOT be used to completely evaluate lung function.
The Spiro Flow™measures peak expiratory flow (PEF), which is
a valuable indicator of lung function and changes in your
asthma. A peak flow meter may be used to check your asthma
like a blood pressure cuff is used to check high blood pressure.
In order to help your physician provide the most appropriate
treatment, proper use of theSpiro Flow™is essential.
Note: A physician should be involved in the initiation of home
peak flow monitoring. Persons with cardiovascular or respira-
tory diseases should not use theSpiroFlow™unless under the
care of a physician.
Copyright © 2003 by Spirometrics Medical Equipment Company.
All rights reserved.
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What does peak flow measure?
Your peak flow is the flow that you can achieve when blowing
out as fast as possible after breathing in as much air as possible.
Your best peak flow or Best Effort is unique to you and will be
determined with the assistance of your doctor or respiratory
therapist.
Why should I use a Peak Flow Meter?
Asthma may cause the airways to narrow and limit how well you
can get the air out of the lungs. Your peak flow may help to
make you aware of these changes before you feel poorly. It is
important to monitor your symptoms and changes in peak flow.
Monitoring changes in your lung function will help you know
when your asthma is changing. Many times medications can be
taken before symptoms worsen. It may also help you avoid a
serious asthma episode.
Your doctor can further explain the importance of measuring
your peak flow. Knowledge of your normal or near normal peak
flow, or at least being able to achieve your best possible result as
a response to therapy, can give you security in the knowledge
that you are as good as you can be.
How does monitoring peak flow improve my
asthma care?
Monitoring peak flow helps your physician and other health care
providers evaluate how well your asthma is being controlled.
Always take the peak flow meter and daily recorder chart to
doctor appointments.
If you need to go to an emergency room or urgent care, always
take your peak flow meter and daily recorder chart. It provides
valuable information when treating asthma symptoms or acute
episodes.
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How to setup the Spiro Flow™
Note: Your asthma educator or physician may be able to assist you.
(Your Best Effort and Zone settings may differ from this example.)
•Once you have obtained your Best Effort reading from your
physician, determine your “Zone” indicator settings according
to the following:
Red Zone - 50% of Best Effort and below. Example:
For a Best Effort of 300, set your Red Zone indicator to 150 = 300 x 50%.
Green Zone - 80% of Best Effort and above. Example:
For a Best Effort of 300, set your Green Zone indicator to 240 = 300 x
80%.
Yellow Zone - 50% to 80% of Best Effort or between your Green Zone
indicator and your Red Zone indicator.
•Use a pen or similar item to move the Zone indicators to the
positions determined above.
•Your Spiro Flow™is now ready for use!
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•Setup your peak flow chart by recording your Name, Date and
Zone indicator settings as shown below:
•Perform your tests as prescribed and record the test results in
your chart. Record the date, hour, and if you took medication
along with the reading.
Fill in the box above the line of your reading.
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How to use the Spiro Flow™
Step One:
Your mouth must be empty. For best results, you should stand.
If you are unable to stand, sit-up straight.
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Step Two:
Move the Peak
Indicator to start
position where
shown.
Step Three:
Hold the Spiro Flow™in your
hand with your thumb and
forefinger on the grips and the
mouthpiece facing toward you.
Younger children may opt to
hold the device with both
thumbs underneath and fingers
on the grips as shown. Avoid
blocking the vent holes as
much as possible and do
not allow fingers to
interfere with the
red Peak Indicator.
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Step Four:
Take as deep a
breath as possible
filling your lungs
completely with air.
Step Five:
Place your mouth on the
mouthpiece, past your teeth
and form a tight seal with your
lips. Place your tongue below
the mouthpiece. Make sure your
tongue is not blocking the opening
at any time.
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Step Six:
Blow out as HARD and FAST as you can. This will cause the
indicator to move and indicate your peak flow. Do not spit or
cough into the device. If this occurs, repeat the test from Step
Two.
Step Seven:
Do not reset peak indicator. Repeat Steps Four through Six two
more times for a total of three maneuvers. The indicator will
automatically point to the best of the three efforts.
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What is my Best Effort peak flow?
Your physician, asthma coordinator/counselor, nurse or respira-
tory therapist should establish threshold or target values includ-
ing your Best Effort peak flow. Once the targets are determined,
your physician will use the information to write an asthma
management plan based on your needs.
What should I do when my peak flow changes?
It is important to develop an asthma management plan in
partnership with your physician. Your physician’s advice should
be followed to make changes in your asthma care based on the
peak flow results and symptoms.
Step Eight:
Once you have completed three maneuvers, record your best
effort on your “Daily Recorder Chart” provided with your
Spiro Flow™. The line or arrow in the middle of the Peak
Indicator points to your result.
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