Background

Micro Medical’s MicroLab ML3500 is a spirometer. Spirometers measure lung capacity and lung volume to help diagnose chronic lung disorders. For example, spirometers can help diagnose and intermittently monitor asthma, COPD, and emphysema. The practice of spirometry dates back to 120–200 A.D. when a Roman physician performed experiments on human lung volume. Spirometry became popular for studying the lungs in the 1800s. Today, we have a range of spirometry products from electronic (like the ML3500) to incentive (plastic; used in hospital settings to prevent lung deterioration).

The MicroLab ML3500 is both electronic and portable. Patients use the MicroLab ML3500 in a physician’s office (the device is not intended for home use).

Three major features of the MicroLab ML3500 include the colored touch screen, printer, and the ability to measure 41 different spirometry metrics. Another important feature is the precision transducer, which is the gold standard for measuring volume. This makes the transducer especially adept at measuring low breath flow rates.

Some sites (such as MD Spiro) have discontinued the ML3500 in favor of their own spirometry product. Other medical product sites make the MicroLab ML3500 available for purchase in the United States and United Kingdom. The average price of the device today is about $2,450.

Identification

The MicroLab ML3500 has two parts: the base unit and the transducer. The grey base unit includes a printer for spirometry readings (on the left side of the device) and a touch screen (right side). The base unit is 1.4 inches by 10 inches by 4.7 inches. The base unit includes the MicroLab logo on the front of the device, and the ML3500 is distinguishable by the colored touch screen.

The transducer connects to the front most port on the right side of the base unit. The transducer is a black and white cylindrical piece that patients breathe in and out of. The transducer is 2 inches by 2.4 inches, by 3.5 inches.

History of spirometry source: Wikipedia

Technical Specifications

General

  • Storage: 2,000 patients with tests
  • Power supply input: 100–240 V, 50–60Hz
  • Power supply output: 12 V 2.5 A
  • Power type: ME30A1200F02 (PSU1012)
  • Battery pack: NiMH 8.4V 1Ah (rechargeable)
  • Dimensions (base unit): 1.4 in x 10 in x 4.7 in
  • Dimensions (transducer): 2 in x 2.4 in x 3.5 in
  • Weight: 1.4 pounds
  • Temperature (operating): 32F to 104F
  • Temperature (storage): -4F to 158F
  • Humidity (operating): 30–90% RH
  • Humidity (storage): 10–90% RH
  • Pressure (storage): 650–1060 hPa

Spirometry

  • Tests per subject: 5 VC maneuvers | 8 FVC maneuvers
  • Predicted values: varies
  • Transducer: Bi-directional digits volume
  • Resolution: 10 mL volume; 0.01/s flow
  • Accuracy: +/-3%

Source: MicroLab Operating Manual provided by MD Spiro

Additional Information