PEAK FLOW METER

Mini Wright

Sudjoko KUSWADJI
Basil Martin Wright
(20 December 1912 - 4 March 2001)
• A British bioengineer who invented
several notable medical instruments,
including the peak flow meter.
• In 1949, the bioengineer Basil Martin
Wright joined the Medical Research
Council pneumoconiosis unit at
Llandough and was assigned the
responsibility of inventing a medical
instrument that would measure the lung
function of asthma patients.
• The peak flow meter he patented was
used for patients participating in large-
scale studies and was not portable.
• In 1970, a miniature version was
developed. It became standard medical
equipment in doctors’ offices and could
be used by asthmatics to self-monitor
their breathing.
• Three years ago, doctors and scientists
began to question the accuracy and
consistency of peak flow meter readings.
• A recent study shows there can be a 15%
inaccuracy in readings across a variety
of peak flows which is causing the
medical field to now demand a standard
calibrating system.
 Peak Flow Meter
• Time-tested design developed in the 1970s
• Provides exceptionally consistent readings
• Clear, easy to read scale
• Works for all age groups
• Hand calibrated to ensure accuracy
• Home readings will be comparable to Dr.'s office
readings
• Easy to clean
• Includes daily record charts
• Standard Range 60-900 lpm
• Low Range 30-400 lpm
Mini-Wright Peak Flow Meter1
• The Mini-Wright Peak Flow Meter is a very
good peak flow meter.
• It has been used and recommended by
doctors for years.
• The Mini-Wright works well for both adults
and children.
• Because they are hand-calibrated, each Mini-
Wright Peak Flow Meter will give the same
reading, which is important when comparing
home readings to readings in the doctor's
office.
 Mini-Wright Peak Flow Meter 2
• While many people continue to use the Mini-
Wright Peak Flow Meter, the declining cost of
digital peak flow meters has more and more
people transitioning to a digital model,
especially the Microlife Digital Peak Flow
Meter.
• Because digital peak flow meters offer the
significant benefit of automatically recording
each reading, they make it far easier to track
and compare current readings against
historical ones, which is critical in the
effective use of a peak flow meter.
 Instructions 1
• Ensure that the white plastic mouthpiece is
securely placed into the end of the barrel of
the peak flow meter. Set the indicator to
Zero.
• Stand or sit in good posture.
• Hold the peak flow meter lightly, with the
gauge uppermost and ensure that your
fingers are kept away from the gauge.
• Take a deep breath - As Deep As Possible.
 Instructions2
• Place the mouthpiece into your mouth and close
your lips around it tightly. Blow Out, as Fast and as
Hard as possible.
• Make a note of your reading i.e. where the arrowhead
on the indicator is lying (where each small line = 10
units). After this, return the indicator to Zero again.
• Do this Three Times, so that you obtain three close
readings.
• Write down the Highest of your three readings in the
correct column onto the chart provided. If the
readings are more than 20 units apart, then take
some more readings, but always write down the
highest.
 Notes
• Please note: if you need to take your inhaler
when it is time to carry out a peak flow
reading, do the blow first, then take your
inhaler.
• If you forget to take a reading, please do not
guess what you may have got, just go onto
the next recording when you remember.
• Please remember to write down your name,
job and date on All of the charts provided.
Thank you for your assistance.
When to take the readings
• The readings should be
taken regularly, whether at
work or not.
• The readings should be
taken on waking and then
approximately at two hourly
intervals until you go to bed.
• Also, do extra readings
when and if you have
symptoms.
• It is Important that you write
down the times that you
start and finish work each
day
Peak Flow Meter and Asthma
• A peak flow meter
helps you check
how well your
asthma is
controlled.

Updated by: Donald Accetta, MD, MPH, President, Allergy & Asthma Care,
PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
 Keep Track Asthma
• Use it every day,
and keep track of
the results to help
your doctor learn
about your asthma.
• This may also help
you determine if
your asthma is
getting worse, even
before you have
symptoms.
Updated by: Donald Accetta, MD, MPH, President, Allergy & Asthma Care,
PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
 Bottom Number
• First, move the
marker to the
bottom of the
numbered scale.

Updated by: Donald Accetta, MD, MPH, President, Allergy & Asthma Care,
PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
 Deep Breath
• Stand up straight
with your head up,
and take a deep
breath.
• Fill your lungs all
the way. (Standing
helps you get more
air in your lungs.)

Updated by: Donald Accetta, MD, MPH, President, Allergy & Asthma Care,
PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
 Mouthpiece
• Place the
mouthpiece in your
mouth, between
your teeth.
• Close your lips
around it.
• Do not put your
tongue inside the
hole or block the
vents in the back.
Updated by: Donald Accetta, MD, MPH, President, Allergy & Asthma Care,
PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
 Blow Out
• Blow out as hard
and fast as you can.
• You want to move
the marker as far as
you can with your
breath, so
concentrate on
exhaling forcefully
and quickly.
Updated by: Donald Accetta, MD, MPH, President, Allergy & Asthma Care,
PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
 Three Tries
• Move the marker back
to the bottom, and
repeat these steps two
more times.
• If you cough or make a
mistake, do not include
this as one of your
three tries.
• Record the highest of
the three numbers in
your peak flow diary.
Updated by: Donald Accetta, MD, MPH, President, Allergy & Asthma Care,
PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
 Zones
• Check which zone
corresponds with your
highest score.
• Follow the plan
developed by you and
your doctor for the
appropriate zone.
• If your best effort is in
the red zone, take your
relief medication
immediately and call
your doctor or go to the
emergency room.
Updated by: Donald Accetta, MD, MPH, President, Allergy & Asthma Care,
PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.