Spirometry and Flow-Volume Loops

PULMONARY & CRITICAL CARE

Images from a video on Spirometry by Dr. Eric Strong, Stanford University.

Flow Volume Loops 1

“Flow (L/sec) is seen as a vector, similar to velocity (m/sec) and not a scalar quantity like speed. Vectors have both magnitude and direction. Positive values on the Y-axis represent air blown out or flowing outwards and negative values on the Y-axis represent inspiration or taking air in, which goes in the opposite direction.” KTA

Flow-Volume Loops

 

Major Values Measured by Spirometry

  1. FEV1
  2. FVC
  3. FEV1 / FVC ratio
  4. Flow Volume Loops
  5. Response to bronchodilators (if needed)

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