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EQUIPMENT REVIEW
The SpiroPerfect spirometer has great potential for GPs, says Dr Bryan Palmer
This is one of three pieces of equipment - a resting ECG, a spirometer and a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor - I am reviewing for GP.
Like the other devices I have reviewed, the spirometer links to PC software provided by Welch Allyn, which I discussed in the first article, on the ECG (GP, 12 April). 'CardioPerfect Workstation Spiro module' is the fancy title for the spirometer part of the package.
Spirometry is likely to be an area where practices are investing heavily at present, because of the 117 new GMS quality points now available to them for asthma and COPD.
And whatever the debate on reversibility testing in COPD, I believe such equipment will provide a better service.
The potential for reassessing asthmatics who probably have COPD and applying new guidelines is almost certain to improve chronic disease manage- ment, even if we are being offered a financial carrot.
Getting started
The spirometer...