Methodology for Computer Measurement of Pulmonary Function Curves

1. Computer processing of the curve for forced expiratory vital capacity is possible. 2. A simple, removable modification of the standard water-seal spirometer and a suitable tape-recording instrument are the basic units required for the procedure. 3. The computer analysis of the records eliminates the need for specially-trained personnel for curve measurement and removes human error and variation. 4. The results of computer analysis are comparable to the results obtained by tedious measurements of the pen and ink records. 5. Rapid screening of large populations for pulmonary functional impairment is now possible using a central computer facility for analysis of the magnetic tape recordings.