Background-The American Thoracic Society (ATS) has set the acceptable resistance for spirometers at less than 1.5 cm H 2 O/l/s over the flow range 0-14 l/s and for monitoring devices at less than 2.5 cm H 2 O/l/s (0-14 l/s). The aims of this study were to determine the resistance characteristics of commonly used spirometers and monitoring devices and the eVect of resistance on ventilatory function. Conclusions-The ATS resistance specification for diagnostic spirometers appears to be appropriate. However, the specification for monitoring devices may be too conservative. PEF was found to be the most sensitive index to added resistance. (Thorax 1998;53:944-948)
Methods-The
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