An Evaluation of the Vitometer, a Simple Device for Measuring Vital Capacity

The forced vital capacity (FVC) is a useful measurement for differentiating normal and diseased lungs, for anticipating cardiac failure, and for predicting cardiopulmo-nary-related morbidity and mortality in certain persons. We evaluated a new, low-cost, disposable, FVC-measuring device, the Vitometer, comparing its FVC results with those obtained with a standard Collins spirometer. There was a linear correlation between the values obtained with the two devices. The Vitometer appears to be a satisfactorily accurate, low-cost, easy-to-use device for estimating FVC. We believe that it has a useful place in insurance examinations, industrial surveillance programs, physicians' offices, clinics, hospitals, and patients' homes. (Anders AJ, Baidwan B, Petty TL. An Evaluation of the Vitometer, a Simple Device for Measuring Vital Capacity . Respir Care 1984;29:1144-1146.