Method and kit for measuring the effectiveness of bronchodilators

Patent 4852582 Issued on August 1, 1989. Estimated Expiration Date:

September 11, 2007. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventor

Pell, Donald M.

Application

No. 07/095232 filed on 09/11/1987

US Classes:

600/529, Respiratory600/538Measuring breath flow or lung capacity

Examiners

Primary: Cohen, Lee S.
Assistant: Hanley, John C.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Bacon & Thomas

International Classes

A61B 5/08 (20060101)
A61B 5/087 (20060101)
G01N 33/15 (20060101)

Abstract

A method and kit for measuring the effectiveness of various bronchodilators on an individual patient are disclosed. For example, the kit includes a plurality of bronchodilator test solutions and a nebulizer for providing a dose of each solution for introduction into a patient's lungs. A spirometer or other type of flowmeter is also provided for measuring the flow characteristics of a patient's forced expiratory flow before and after inspiration of each of the bronchodilator solutions. A test panel is also provided for recording and comparing the patient's flow data before and after inspiration of each of the test solutions. And, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the patient's lungs are rechallenged to verify the best treatment for the patient. And, a second embodiment includes instructions and a peak flow meter in place of a spirometer, so that the tests may be self-administered in a patient's home.