Description
A hand held meter that measures peak expiratory flow, the fastest speed at which air can be blown out of the lungs in a single hard breath. It is used mainly in asthma, to track how airways change from day to day and to compare a reading against a person’s own best. The pointer is set to zero, a full breath is taken, the lips seal around the mouthpiece and one short sharp blow is made; the best of three attempts is recorded, usually on a chart.
Readings vary through the day, so timing them consistently matters. A meter measures airflow only and does not diagnose or exclude a condition. Use the reading alongside an agreed action plan and clinical advice.
- Hand held meter measuring peak expiratory flow in litres per minute
- Standard range model, blow three times and record the best
- Readings are compared with a person’s own best, not a fixed figure
- Measures airflow only; it does not diagnose or exclude a condition
- Use alongside an agreed asthma action plan
