Definition - What does Care of the Calibration Syringe mean?
In spirometry, care of the calibration syringe relates to manually assessing a three-liter syringe unit connected to a spirometer device to determine if the machine meets performance standards in order to generate accurate and effective results from lung-care patients. Technicians are required to implement daily and monthly tests with the equipment to confirm any potential structural defects such as leaks in tubing/hosing, mouthpiece, filter, and/or the spirometer itself, which can disrupt baseline calibration metrics.
SureHire explains Care of the Calibration Syringe
In spirometry, care of the calibration syringe pertains to maintenance of a three-liter syringe unit attached to spirometer used for gauging forced expiratory volume (FVC) and forced vital capacity (FTC) measurements relative to the airflow rate produced by the lungs. According to OSHA, all technicians are expected to rigorously follow standardized guidelines illustrating appropriate care towards the calibration syringe to optimize metrical analyses during evaluation.
The process involves checking for leaks that can occur in the spirometer or any of its components including tubes/hoses, air filter, and the mouthpiece. However, many leaks can be the result of small breakage, going unnoticed by a cursory observation. Because of this, a technician will conduct three tests in which the syringe plunger is depressed (pushed inward) to account for any seepage, which in turn, demonstrates loss of air pressure from the unit. This measure is utilized by computer feedback indicating the difference between the machine’s standard base value and the actual output value caused by leakage.
In addition, proper storage in room temperature environments combined with disinfecting the calibration syringe accordingly between uses preserves equipment is needed to ensure reliable findings.
