Vivian's Blowing Tests
Vivian performs our new standard lung volume and blowing pressure tests. The new lung volume test employs an electronic spirometer which takes much less time that the old method involving a lung volume bag, so we had to combine both into one clip. Vivian shows how the spirometer is calibrated with a 3-litre calibration syringe, then blows as much air as she can through it in one breath. She then moves on to the familiar pressure tests. Vivian prides herself on being the "balloon blower of last resort" in her family, and on how much pressure she can generate without puffing her cheeks. By trying to see how much pressure she can generate with cheeks held in, and then with cheeks fully inflated, she is able to evaluate which technique is more effective.