Why Accurate Spirometry Calibration Matters

Accurate lung function readings are vital not just for diagnosing asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pre-surgical evaluations, but also for building patient trust and clinical integrity. Regular calibration, as required by CQC’s Medical Devices Regulation, keeps your readings reliable. Guidance from the British Thoracic Society (BTS) recommends verifying calibration daily, before each clinic session, or every 10th patient. Following BTS guidance on spirometry and calibration ensures your practice meets national quality standards and maintains precise respiratory assessment. Consistency helps catch small drifts early and ensures your practice stays inspection-ready.

Common Causes of Inaccurate Spirometer Readings

Spirometers can drift over time because of:

• Ambient temperature or humidity changes (only relevant to certain devices)
• Sensor wear, debris, or blockages
• Moving the device between rooms or sites
• Long intervals between calibration checks

Even small deviations can significantly impact measurements like FEV₁. Introducing a calibration syringe into daily routines safeguards every patient measurement.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Calibrate a Spirometer

1. Warm up the spirometer for 5–10 minutes before use.
2. Use a clinical-grade validation syringe (such as 3 L Vitalograph or SpiroCal-3000) available in our Spirometry Calibration Syringes & Adapters.
3. Follow verification protocol (usually 3 different flow rates, slow, medium and fast).
4. Log readings, the measured volume should be within ±3.5% of the reading or 65 mL, whichever is greater.
5. Failed, if results fall outside tolerance, repeat the process or follow manufacturer troubleshooting.
6. Document diligently the date, operator, and outcomes in your calibration log, and store it for up to five years for CQC and BTS evidence.

This structured approach supports consistency, patient safety, and simplified audit readiness.

Avoiding Calibration Mistakes in GP Settings

• Skipping periodic checks can allow drift to impact care. Set your stopwatch or reminder before every clinic starts.
• Dirty syringe? Keep a cleaning kit near your testing area and rinse after each use.
• After maintenance or updates, recalibrate before resuming clinics.
• No alarm SOP? It’s essential to note that the BTS suggests having a protocol, but your practice should create one internally.
• Backup equipment storage? We offer compatible syringes for popular brands like Vitalograph. MIR, SpiroConnect, Easy on-PC, ensuring backup is always on hand.

These steps reinforce both quality of care and confidence among staff, patients, and inspectors.

How Calibration Supports Better Respiratory Care

Calibration goes beyond compliance; it anchors your clinical decisions in accuracy:

• Tracks asthma and COPD progression reliably
• Validates inhaler efficacy and COPD interventions
• Supports preoperative spirometry for safer surgery

When calibration is consistent and documented, you're delivering care based on trustworthy data.

Kit Up Your Practice Smartly

Explore our Spirometry Calibration Syringes & Adapters, including options for Vitalograph, MIR, Ndd and SpiroConnect systems. These kits come with ISO-certified syringes and adapters to fit common devices. Also available is the complete Spirolab Bundle, which includes syringes, mouthpieces, and printer rolls. Everything your practice needs to streamline testing and maintain compliance.

Delivering Confidence to Patients and Teams

Every time staff conduct a smooth calibration check, patients sense the professionalism and care behind the technical process. It’s the kind of reassurance that translates into words of confidence, and when CQC inspectors check your logs, they'll see a practice committed to quality and patient safety.

Ready to Calibrate with Confidence?

Browse our Spirometry Calibration Syringes & Adapters or the Spirolab Bundle now. Our team is here to guide you on syringe compatibility or training resources so your practice can deliver accurate, compliant care every clinic day.