Development and Characterization of a Wireless Mouse-Based Spirometer

One of the biggest challenges, regarding the diagnosis and effective management of life-threatening respiratory diseases, is the inadequate access to diagnostic devices like spirometer. The available good-quality commercial spirometers are too expensive (typical spirometers cost $1000-$2500) to afford by the common people in most of the developing countries. This paper presents the development, metrological characteristics, performance evaluation of a cost-effective ($276), easy-to-operate, and electrical hazard-free spirometer using the wireless optical mouse as a novel displacement-sensing element. Computational algorithms generate graphical patterns and numerical values of various respiratory performance indices. The device obtained test results and statistical analysis using Bland-Altman technique show a reasonable match between the standard spirometer and established anthropometry and ethnicity-dependent predictor equations. The device can successfully discriminate the chronic obstructive and restrictive pulmonary diseases and confirms its prospect for clinical uses.