I need advice on the Piko-6 lung func... - Lung Conditions C...

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I need advice on the Piko-6 lung function COPD monitor I bought

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12 years ago•9 Replies

Does anyone know what the readings are that I get ? is the .48 a percentage of predicted lung capacity ?

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Cardiovascular disease

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9 Replies

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12 years ago

ah, thanks for answer, Alba good of you to take the time. Am very confused and have asked the supplier to explain - don't think he understands either !

yellow9012 years ago

Looking at the manual available online, the Piko 6 gives its results in Litres.

• in reply toyellow9012 years ago

thanks, yellow, think you must be right - though that makes the scores so low - much lower than you'd imagine given how I cope and what I manage to do - can the scores really mean that I have 17% of normal FEV1 ??? must be doing something wrong ! any thoughts ?

12 years ago

I am not familiar with the Piko monitor so cannot comment with any certainty. However, if it says your fev1 is .48% then yes I would imagine that is what you referred to as your lung capacity. If this is similar to the result from the spirometry tests you may have had at your doctor's or hospital, then again it is likely to be your fev1. If it bears no resemblance to the figure you had from previous spirometry tests, then it is unlikely to be fev1. That is about the best I can do without actually seeing the thing - sorry. Auntymary

12 years ago

Thanks Auntymary. Think I'll ring BLF helpline. All very confusing ! not sure if I really want clarity though - being ostrich with head in sand is daft but more peaceful sometimes

yellow9012 years ago

The documentation with the piko 6 states that the results are in litres. It has no function able to calculate predicted values needed for a percentage reading.

What it does do is allow you to set a reference value. It then uses a traffic light system to indicate how you did compared to the reference value. Usefull to show up sudden changes.

To calculate predicted values you need to purchase their computer software so you can input your Age, sex, height, and ethnic group to give your predicted values.

As an alternative you could put the figure you get into an online spirometry calculator.

Even then I still wouldn't put too much faith in the results. When you have a spirometry taken in hospital or the doctors they use a "three tries" method. The shape of the curve shows whether you are blowing correctly and at maximum effort. With the piko you cant see the curve. Also whenever I get tested I usually (almost) pass out on the 2nd or third try. Best to NOT try that hard at home esp if alone.

12 years ago

great advice, thanks, Yellow.

copdliving12 years ago

I will try to explain this as best as I can.

Your lung function is typically determined by your age, and height.

However, a .48 is not the FEV1 it is the amount of functioning lung. Most of us should have approximately 2.50 liters at this point in our lives. This would mean your lungs were functioning at 100% capacity for your age. Naturally none of us have that because if we did we wouldn't have COPD or be on this board. If her reading was 1.25 it would be equivalent to an FEV1 of 50% meanine 50% of her lung was functioning. Unfortunately a reading of .48 is roughly equivalent to an FEV1 of 20% which is about the same as mine. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but that's what the numbers mean.

• in reply tocopdliving12 years ago

Thanks for straightforward answer. so wouldn't you think I should be on oxygen with such a low score ? and I really don't feel that I need it ! How about you - sorry to hear it's same score for you.

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