How often should a spirometer in continual use undergo volumetric calibration?

A spirometer that is continuously used should undergo volumetric calibration at least daily to ensure accurate measurements of lung function. This frequent calibration is essential because any variability in the performance of the spirometer can lead to incorrect assessments of a patient's pulmonary status.

Factors such as temperature, humidity, and prolonged use can affect the spirometer's performance, leading to drift in its measurements. Daily calibration helps to identify and correct any discrepancies, ensuring the spirometer provides reliable data for clinical decision-making.

While some may consider less frequent calibration adequate, especially for devices used in less demanding clinical environments, the daily standard is critical in maintaining high accuracy for spirometers that are frequently utilized. This careful monitoring of calibration promotes optimal patient care and accurate interpretation of the results obtained from pulmonary function tests.