Pediatr Allergy Respir Dis.  2003 Mar;13(1):47-54.

Comparative Study of Nebulizer Output and Particle Size for Standardization of Inhalation Provocation Test

• Hwang EK
• Kim HJ
• Kim KS
• Jang W
• Han MY
• Moon SH

Abstract

PURPOSE
It is very important to compare the particle size and total output from inhalation devices for standardization of bronchial provocation test. METHODS: Total output (mass output, salt output) from 4 nebulizer/compressor combination (LC plus/Pari-boy, Long life/Pari-boy, Pulmoaid/Pulmoaid, DeVilbiss/DeVilbiss) which were charged with 2 mL of 0.9% normal saline was measured. Aerosol particle size was measured directly using laser diffraction by Marvern Master Sizer and by evaluating Mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD). RESULTS: The LC plus nebulizer had the highest output rate and delivered the largest particles. The Maximal output rates of the 3 nebulizer/compressor combination was half that LC plus /Pari-boy combination. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that it might be different in mass output and particle size by inhalation devices. These differences can influence to the results of bronchial provocation test such as FEV1. We emphasizes that it is necessary to standardize the total output and particle size from each inhalation devices to perform and interpretate the results of bronchial provocation test.

Keyword

Particle size; Mass output; Salt output; Standardization

MeSH Terms

Bronchial Provocation Tests*
Inhalation*
Nebulizers and Vaporizers*
Particle Size*