The Vitalograph compact spirometer is said to be the first to give the option of reporting 'normals' in standard deviation scores the latest in spirometry technology
Even today, nearly every medical publication showing spirometry results express these as 'percent of predicted'.
This way of detailing spirometry parameters is copied unthinkingly.
In spite of its widespread use, percent predicted is not scientifically founded and experts repeatedly express their concern about its use.
The classification of abnormal spirometry tests using 80% or less of the Predicted Normal value is recognised as frequently causing mis-classification, which could lead to mis-diagnosis.
The new Vitalograph Compact solves this problem by giving users the choice of reporting the Standard Deviation Score (SDS) of the measured data.
To date, no other commercially available spirometer can do this, says Vitalograph.
The use of SDS is particularly valuable when measuring a growing child's lung function, and also gives a quantitative means of tracking the progression of disease in COPD.
This feature is supported and complemented by the automatic background storage of all lung function tests performed.
The Vitalograph Compact can store up to a lifetime (70 years) of spirometry results for a thousand plus subjects - another unique feature for a desktop spirometer.
All storage is automatic and invisible to the user, until they view the trend data.
Subjects are entered with basic demographic data or full details on smoking history, COPD diagnosis, asthma, etc.
Name or ID quickly locates them even when numerous subjects are stored and obviously the same subject cannot be entered into the system more than once.
