Peak Flow Procedure
Procedure for Recording Peak Flow
Establish the predicted peak flow according to age, sex and height of patient. (See graph on peak flow chart)
A good explanation of the procedure is essential and demonstration of the technique may be necessary.
To establish predicted normal peak flow. To ensure accurate measurement of the patient's forced expiratory volume.
Check peak flow meter pointer is registered at zero. To obtain an accurate reading.
Pointer at zeroEnsure patient is standing or if unable to stand, sitting in an upright position. Record position used on Peak Flow chart.
To allow good air entry in the lungs to give a maximum inspiratory volume. To ensure consistency of readings.
Ensure meter is held horizontally and fingers are kept out of the way of the pointer. To obtain accurate reading.
Holding the Peak Flow Meter- Ask the patient to take as deep a breath as possible. To ensure maximum forced inspiratory volume.
Place mouthpiece in between the teeth and close lips tightly around the mouthpiece. To ensure a close, tight seal for an accurate reading.
A close tight seal to ensure an accurate reading- Ask the patient to blow out as hard as possible with a sudden, sharp, blow into the meter. To ensure maximum forced expiratory volume.
- Read the position of the pointer. To obtain the result.
- Take the best of three readings if practicable, ensuring the peak flow meter is reset to zero each time. To obtain best result and a comparison of variation of airway