PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Flemming Madsen
TI  - Validation of spirometer calibration syringes
DP  - 2012 Sep 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - P3207
VI  - 40
IP  - Suppl 56
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P3207.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P3207.full
SO  - Eur Respir J2012 Sep 01; 40
AB  - The calibration syringe is probably the most important instrument in pulmonary function laboratories, yet no validation results have been published.Methods: We weighed a 3 L calibration syringe before and after emptying it of water and determined the corresponding volume of gas by using a modified rolling seal spirometer.Results: The volume of a spirometer calibration syringe could be verified with an accuracy of ± 15 mL. All syringes larger than one litre had volumes within the label claimed volume ± 0.5 %.View this table:Conclusion: Spirometer calibration syringes have a stable stroke volumes. The maximal interval between syringe validations should perhaps be extended beyond the 1-year period required by current standards. Use of two syringes would allow one syringe exceeding the maximal permissible error to be detected earlier.