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the rotameter. Tracings of each parameter (see in previous chapter Figure 5.2; NO in green,
COz in red, pressure in blue, flow in brown) were recorded on the chart recorder and each
then calculated using the calibration recordings. The NO and the COz peak levels on the
recording was measured. The peak NO levels were then compared with the area under the
curye. The latter was measured by drawing a baseline along the recording congruent with the
zero reading. The baseline and the curved NO record were then traced out and the area within
the margins calculated. Each result was the mean of five exhalations. The comparisons
presented between the direct and the t-piece measurements are the first measurements of each.
The final repeated set was compared against the first set to assess whether there were
differences over this time.
6.6.4 Results
Figure 6.4: Example of the chart recording rolls for the direct versus t-piece measurements.
6.6.4 (i) Direct versus t-piece nitric oxide and carbon dioxide measurement
Fifteen measurements were performed successfully on each of the twelve subjects (six male,
six female) with their lung function as percent predicted for gender, age and height by the
Polgar predictive equation (Polgar and Promadhat l97l) having an overall mean FVC of
IOTVo (range 96-I2OVo) and FEV1 of IO2Vo (range 93Vo-lI5Vo). The direct mean peak
r40