Trudell Medical International
Overview
Easy as 1-2-3
- Take a deep breath and seal your lips around the mouthpiece
- Blow out as hard and fast as possible
- Note your result.
TruZone* Peak Flow Meter
What is a TruZone* Peak Flow Meter?
A Peak Flow Meter is a tool you can use to check how your lungs are doing – to help determine whether you should take your medication or perhaps call your doctor. Just as a thermometer can measure body temperature and give you an indication of a fever, a TruZone* peak flow meter measures Peak Expiratory Flow – the fastest speed you can force air from your lungs after taking a deep breath which is a measurement of your lung health. Peak Expiratory Flow readings are higher when you are well and lower when airways are constricted.
Changes in your airways can happen slowly. Taking daily readings with a TruZone* peak flow meter may detect changes in your airways that could signal trouble ahead – even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms. Why use a TruZone* Peak Flow Meter?Many people underestimate the severity of their asthma. Some may even accept daily symptoms as a ‘normal’ part of asthma. The fact is that daily symptoms are not normal, and can be potentially life threatening.
Daily use of a TruZone* peak flow meter to record readings may indicate whether lung function is getting worse even before experiencing symptoms. It may help you:
A Peak Flow Meter is a tool you can use to check how your lungs are doing – to help determine whether you should take your medication or perhaps call your doctor. Just as a thermometer can measure body temperature and give you an indication of a fever, a TruZone* peak flow meter measures Peak Expiratory Flow – the fastest speed you can force air from your lungs after taking a deep breath which is a measurement of your lung health. Peak Expiratory Flow readings are higher when you are well and lower when airways are constricted.Changes in your airways can happen slowly. Taking daily readings with a TruZone* peak flow meter may detect changes in your airways that could signal trouble ahead – even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms. Why use a TruZone* Peak Flow Meter?Many people underestimate the severity of their asthma. Some may even accept daily symptoms as a ‘normal’ part of asthma. The fact is that daily symptoms are not normal, and can be potentially life threatening.
Daily use of a TruZone* peak flow meter to record readings may indicate whether lung function is getting worse even before experiencing symptoms. It may help you:
- Identify when your lung function changes - so you can add or reduce medications according to your Asthma Action Plan
- Monitor how well your medication is working
- Identify 'triggers' that can aggravate your lungs and make breathing more difficult
- Know when to seek immediate medical attention
Green means GOYour asthma is well controlled!
Who Should Use a TruZone* Peak Flow Meter?
Anyone 5 and older with asthma could benefit from using a TruZone* peak flow meter, as the daily readings can help you and your healthcare professional understand how well your asthma program is working. Your doctor may even make changes to your medications and therapy program based on your peak flow readings, as it may identify changes, trends or patterns in your respiratory symptoms.
Peak flow meters can be helpful for people who have trouble sensing the onset of symptoms or anyone who is newly diagnosed with asthma. The readings take the guesswork out of asthma management so you can lead a healthy, active life.
- Breathing is normal
- Sleep through the nights
- Do usual physical activities
- No coughing, wheezing or tightness in the chest
- No days off work or school
- Shortness of breath during the day or night
- Coughing, wheezing or tightness in the chest
- Coughing at night more than 1 night per week
- Can do some but not all usual physical activities
- Using quick relief puffer medication more than 3 times per week
- First signs of a cold or flu
- Shortness of breath at rest
- Medication does not help within 10 minutes
- Difficulty walking or talking
- Sucking in of the skin at the front of the neck
- Lips and/or fingernails turn blue
Who Should Use a TruZone* Peak Flow Meter?
Anyone 5 and older with asthma could benefit from using a TruZone* peak flow meter, as the daily readings can help you and your healthcare professional understand how well your asthma program is working. Your doctor may even make changes to your medications and therapy program based on your peak flow readings, as it may identify changes, trends or patterns in your respiratory symptoms.
Peak flow meters can be helpful for people who have trouble sensing the onset of symptoms or anyone who is newly diagnosed with asthma. The readings take the guesswork out of asthma management so you can lead a healthy, active life.
Instructions
Setting your zones
Your healthcare provider will advise you on your personal best peak expiratory flow number. The number should be determined when your asthma is under control and you are symptom-free.
Your goal is to reach your best peak flow reading or 'green zone' every time you use your TruZone* peak flow meter. The ColorZone* tapes help by defining your individual zones according to the green, yellow and red traffic light system.
To Apply the ColorZone* Tapes
Although it is not a requirement, we strongly recommend you track your peak flow reading to create a graph showing just how your condition changes over a period of 2-3 weeks.
Your healthcare provider will advise you on your personal best peak expiratory flow number. The number should be determined when your asthma is under control and you are symptom-free.
Your goal is to reach your best peak flow reading or 'green zone' every time you use your TruZone* peak flow meter. The ColorZone* tapes help by defining your individual zones according to the green, yellow and red traffic light system.
To Apply the ColorZone* Tapes
- Peel the backing from the tape and align the word 'BEST' with your personal best Peak Flow reading.
- Press firmly into place down the center of the device.
- Cut any remaining tape just above the 'RESET' diamond
Although it is not a requirement, we strongly recommend you track your peak flow reading to create a graph showing just how your condition changes over a period of 2-3 weeks.
For Active Asthma Management
Experiencing asthma symptoms can put you at higher risk of a serious emergency. Taking regular peak flow readings may help to detect changes in your airways so you can take action before your condition worsens.
It will be easiest for you to remember to record your peak flow reading if you link it to something you do twice a day – like brushing your teeth. It is generally recommended that peak flow be measured at 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM, but always as recommended by your healthcare professional.
Remember: The more control you have over your asthma, the less control it has over you.
How to Use your TruZone* Peak Flow Meter
Prior to using your new TruZone* peak flow meter make sure you have set your zones with your healthcare professional, and applied the special ColorZone* tapes to the body of the meter using the instructions on the right. Next, reset the yellow indicator so that it is resting within the diamond near the mouthpiece. To reset, gently shake vertically until the yellow indicator is positioned directly behind the reset diamond.
How to use the Daily Record
Your Daily Record should be used to track your peak flow readings between healthcare appointments. There are spaces across the top to write the dates for up to 35 days, and an area below each date to track up to three peak flow readings.
To track your result, simply find the date across the top and slide your finger down until you reach the correct number – then mark a “•” and you are finished!
TruZone* Peak Flow MeterContains full instructions for use and cleaning of your chamber with mask.
Additional Daily RecordReplacement pages for tracking your daily readings.
Experiencing asthma symptoms can put you at higher risk of a serious emergency. Taking regular peak flow readings may help to detect changes in your airways so you can take action before your condition worsens.It will be easiest for you to remember to record your peak flow reading if you link it to something you do twice a day – like brushing your teeth. It is generally recommended that peak flow be measured at 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM, but always as recommended by your healthcare professional.
Remember: The more control you have over your asthma, the less control it has over you.
Prior to using your new TruZone* peak flow meter make sure you have set your zones with your healthcare professional, and applied the special ColorZone* tapes to the body of the meter using the instructions on the right. Next, reset the yellow indicator so that it is resting within the diamond near the mouthpiece. To reset, gently shake vertically until the yellow indicator is positioned directly behind the reset diamond.- Take as deep a breath as possible, then put the mouthpiece into your mouth – seal your lips around it.
- Blow out as hard and as fast as possible. The force of the air coming out of your lungs causes the yellow indicator to move along the numbered scale.
- Repeat two more times – or as instructed by your healthcare professional.
- Record your best result in your Daily Record.
Your Daily Record should be used to track your peak flow readings between healthcare appointments. There are spaces across the top to write the dates for up to 35 days, and an area below each date to track up to three peak flow readings.To track your result, simply find the date across the top and slide your finger down until you reach the correct number – then mark a “•” and you are finished!
TruZone* Peak Flow MeterContains full instructions for use and cleaning of your chamber with mask.Additional Daily RecordReplacement pages for tracking your daily readings.
Healthcare Professionals
Connect your patients with their Asthma Management Program
It is important to work with your patient to determine what their 'best' reading will be at a time when their asthma is under control and they are symptom-free.
You can assist them by helping to apply the ColorZone* Tape to the body of the device, using their personal best peak flow number to indicate the top of their 'green zone'. Patients should understand that the goal is to reach this green zone each time they use their TruZone* Peak Flow Meter.
It may help if you have them track their peak flow number each day for 2-3 weeks when they are feeling well and have no symptoms. This graph will help you explain changes in their lung function and may even help identify the underlying triggers aggravating their condition.
Monitoring Peak Flow allows your patients to actively manage their asthma, and is a valuable tool when used with an Asthma Action Plan.
It is important to work with your patient to determine what their 'best' reading will be at a time when their asthma is under control and they are symptom-free.
You can assist them by helping to apply the ColorZone* Tape to the body of the device, using their personal best peak flow number to indicate the top of their 'green zone'. Patients should understand that the goal is to reach this green zone each time they use their TruZone* Peak Flow Meter.
It may help if you have them track their peak flow number each day for 2-3 weeks when they are feeling well and have no symptoms. This graph will help you explain changes in their lung function and may even help identify the underlying triggers aggravating their condition.
Monitoring Peak Flow allows your patients to actively manage their asthma, and is a valuable tool when used with an Asthma Action Plan.
An Essential Part of Effective Asthma Management
Daily use of a TruZone* Peak Flow Meter to record objective Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) readings may help patients recognize if lung function is getting worse – even before they have any symptoms – and may even help track and identify activities or environmental triggers aggravating their condition. When used daily, it helps patients become active partners in monitoring their asthma and provides an accurate early warning system which may save trips to the hospital emergency room thereby reducing healthcare costs.
Measurements may also help to:
Results recorded in the Daily Record identify changes, trends or patterns in lung function. Using this information at each appointment can show if updates or changes to treatment plans or medication are required – so you can be sure their Asthma Action Plan is working for them.
The 2008 Practical Allergy (PRACTALL) consensus report on the state of asthma education and treatment guidelines for children, emphasized the need to involve the child or their parent in education about their disease. The report recommended using tools specifically designed for people who are not intimately familiar with the disease to help track and monitor asthma at home.2
Daily use of a TruZone* Peak Flow Meter to record objective Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) readings may help patients recognize if lung function is getting worse – even before they have any symptoms – and may even help track and identify activities or environmental triggers aggravating their condition. When used daily, it helps patients become active partners in monitoring their asthma and provides an accurate early warning system which may save trips to the hospital emergency room thereby reducing healthcare costs.Measurements may also help to:
- Decide when to add or adjust medications
- Record objective PEF readings
- Ensure the patient's Asthma Action Plan is working
- Learn what triggers their asthma symptoms
Peak Flow Monitoring and Symptom Monitoring
Although ‘self-monitoring’ techniques can be effective for some, there is a general inclination for patients to underestimate the severity of their everyday asthma symptoms.1 Unlike symptom monitoring, which may help patients rate and classify their symptoms, use of a TruZone* Peak Flow Meter gives a more objective and accurate measurement of how their lung function is doing.Results recorded in the Daily Record identify changes, trends or patterns in lung function. Using this information at each appointment can show if updates or changes to treatment plans or medication are required – so you can be sure their Asthma Action Plan is working for them.
The 2008 Practical Allergy (PRACTALL) consensus report on the state of asthma education and treatment guidelines for children, emphasized the need to involve the child or their parent in education about their disease. The report recommended using tools specifically designed for people who are not intimately familiar with the disease to help track and monitor asthma at home.2
Peak Flow based action plans:
- Gives objective and accurate measurement of lung function
- Provides patients with clear steps to follow for modifying medications
- Allow patients to be active participants in their therapy
- May help track and identify triggers
- May help identify when lung function is getting worse – even before symptoms arise
- Can be a psychological support for patients
Counselling ToolsEncouraging compliance to a prescribed treatment program is an ongoing concern, so we have designed a number of pieces to help your patients understand how their actions today can have an impact on their ongoing health.
Patient Counselling PadA helpful tool for explaining Peak Flow and how the changes can affect your patient's health - with a customizable Asthma Action Plan on the back.
Additional Daily RecordReplacement pages for tracking your daily readings.
Predicted Averages for Peak Expiratory FlowNormal peak flow readings vary based on gender, age and height. The numbers are provided as examples and are for reference only. The personal best reading for each patient may be higher or lower than the average. 1 Bheekie A, Syce JA and Weinberg EG. Peak expiratory flow rate and symptom self-monitoring of asthma initiated from community pharmacies. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics (2001) 26, 287-296. 2 Bacharier LB, Boner A, Carlsen KH, Eigenmann PA, Frischer T, Götz M, Helms PJ, Hunt J, Liu A, Papadopoulos N, Platts-Mills T, Pohunek P, Simons FER, Valovirta E, Wahn U, Wildhaber J, The European Pediatric Asthma Group. Review Article: Diagnosis and treatment of asthma in childhood: a PRACTALL consensus report. Allergy 2008; 63: 5-34.
Technical Information
Accepted Worldwide by Health Authorities
- Meets the most recent technical Standards of Spirometry established by the American Thoracic Society
- Meets the educational guidelines recommended by the National Asthma Educational Prevention Program (NAEPP) of the National Institutes of Health
- Trudell Medical International meets ISO 13485:2003 Medical Distribution Standard – the highest standard for a manufacturer of medical products
Engage Your Patients With Their Asthma Management Program
Monitoring Peak Flow may help patients manage their symptoms by guiding them through their Action Plan and increasing compliance.
TruZone* Peak Flow Meter is truly the easiest way to accurately monitor peak flows.
Monitoring Peak Flow may help patients manage their symptoms by guiding them through their Action Plan and increasing compliance.1. Patented Logarithmic Scale
Accurate Measurements
- Simplifies reading and recording of Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) at critical low flow areas
- Can be used by adult and pediatric patients over the age of 5 years
- Measures peak flows from 60 to 800 lpm
- Reliable and accurate
- Indicator is protected and tamper-proof
- Prevents inadvertent changes to PEF readings
- User-friendly - for better patient compliance
- Clear body design is easy to inspect
- Easy to clean with mild soapy water or in the dishwasher
- Convenient to use, no assembly required
- No mathematical calculations required
- Automatically, accurately and securely establishes patient zones
- ColorZone* tapes are transparent — indicator is easy to see
- No re-setting between efforts required when establishing a patient’s personal best peak flow
Accurate Measurements
- Meets Standards for Spirometry established by American Thoracic Society
The TruZone* PFM meets all accuracy and precision requirements that may be encountered under typical use. As with any pressure/flow rate monitor, the TruZone* PFM may be affected by extreme altitude variations or temperatures.1 The meter is not significantly affected by relative humidity and should be used within a normal temperature range (20 to 35 degrees Celsius/68 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit). All measurements of the TruZone* PFM have been validated at Body Temperature and Pressure Saturated with water vapors (BTPS).
Product Instructions
Easy to read patient instructions are available in English, French and Spanish.
Product Literature
Product Sell SheetAn overview of the key features of the TruZone* Peak Flow Meter.
Hospital Products OverviewA brief explanation of all of our Specialty Respiratory products.
1 Gardner, RM, et al, Evaluation of Accuracy and Reproducibility of Peak Flow Meter at 1,400m. Chest, 1992;101:948-952.
Easy to read patient instructions are available in English, French and Spanish.Product Sell SheetAn overview of the key features of the TruZone* Peak Flow Meter.Hospital Products OverviewA brief explanation of all of our Specialty Respiratory products.1 Gardner, RM, et al, Evaluation of Accuracy and Reproducibility of Peak Flow Meter at 1,400m. Chest, 1992;101:948-952.
Where to Buy
Contact InformationPlease use the following contact information to get more information about where the TruZone* Peak Flow Meter can be purchased in your area.
Trudell Medical International
725 Third Street
London, ON, N5V 5G4
Canada
519-455-7060
519-455-6478
customerservice [at] trudellmed [dot] com
Trudell Medical Marketing Limited
758 Third Street
London, ON, N5V 5J7
Canada
519-685-8800
519-685-8993