Testing limits to airflow perturbation device (APD) measurements
2008

Testing the Accuracy of the Airflow Perturbation Device (APD)

Sample size: 10 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Erika R. Lopresti, Arthur T. Johnson, Frank C. Koh, William H. Scott, Shaya Jamshidi, Nischom K. Silverman

Primary Institution: Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA

Hypothesis

What are the limits to the accuracy of APD measurements under different conditions?

Conclusion

The APD can be used effectively in ventilated patients without significantly affecting measurements.

Supporting Evidence

  • Leaks of up to 3.2 mm diameter do not significantly affect APD measurements.
  • Using an oronasal mask does not significantly change APD measurements.
  • Adding known resistances consistently changes APD measurements.

Takeaway

The APD can measure how well your lungs work, even if you're using a mask or a tube, and small leaks don't really mess up the results.

Methodology

Ten healthy subjects were tested under various conditions using the APD to measure respiratory resistance.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and only tested a limited range of leak sizes.

Participant Demographics

Healthy college students aged 18 to 35.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p ≤ 0.05

Statistical Significance

p ≤ 0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1475-925X-7-28

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