Exploration of quality criteria for the detection of peak inspiratory flow under different resistance conditions.

BACKGROUND At present, robust quality criteria and methods for the assessment of Peak inspiratory flow meter performance are lacking. OBJECTIVE A standard flow-volume simulator for quality control analyses of an inhalation assessment device was utilized with different simulated resistance levels in order to propose a quality testing method and associated standard for this device type. METHODS A standard flow-volume simulator was utilized to assess the performance of an In-Check DIAL® (Device I) and an intelligent inhalation assessment device (Device P) at a fixed volume and flow rate. Indices used to evaluate these two instruments included repeatability, accuracy, linearity, and impedance. RESULTS Both devices exhibited good repeatability (<± 3 L/min). The difference between test results and standard simulator values for Device P was less than ± 5 L/min at resistance level R1 but higher than ± 5 L/min at resistance levels R2-5, while Device I were greater than 5 L/min at all resistance levels. The relative error for Device P was <± 10% at resistance levels R1, R2, and R4, but > 10% at resistance levels R3 and R5. The relative error values for Device I at all five resistance levels were > 10%. Device P passed the linearity test at the R2 resistance level, while Device I partially passed the linearity test at all five resistance levels. CONCLUSION Standard monitoring methods and standards provide a valuable approach to the more reliable clinical assessment and application of these instruments.