Peak Flow Meter
Current as of: June 9, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson, MD – Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine & Elizabeth T. Russo, MD – Internal Medicine
A peak flow meter is an inexpensive, pocket-sized device that measures peak expiratory flow (PEF), or how much air a person can exhale. To measure PEF, the person takes a deep breath and then blows (huffs) into a tube on the peak flow meter as hard and as fast as possible. To get the most accurate PEF, the peak flow…
Current as of: June 9, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Elizabeth T. Russo, MD - Internal Medicine
06/09/2019
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
A peak flow meter is an inexpensive, pocket-sized device that measures peak expiratory flow (PEF), or how much air a person can exhale. To measure PEF, the person takes a deep breath and then blows (huffs) into a tube on the peak flow meter as hard and as fast as possible.
To get the most accurate PEF, the peak flow meter should be used three times and the best results recorded. PEF is lowest in the early morning and highest in the afternoon.
Results obtained by using a peak flow meter are not as accurate as those obtained by using spirometry, another test used to measure lung function. But the peak flow meter can be used at home, while spirometry has to be done in a doctor’s office.
Current as of: June 9, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson, MD – Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine & Elizabeth T. Russo, MD – Internal Medicine
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
Current as of: June 9, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Elizabeth T. Russo, MD - Internal Medicine
06/09/2019
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.