Patent ID: 8627821

Claim:
A method for using a diagnostic device to measure the rate and size of particle exhalation in an individual, wherein the device comprises a mouthpiece, a two-way filter, a low resistance one-way valve, a particle counter, and a computer, wherein the mouthpiece comprises an outlet; wherein the outlet of the mouthpiece is connected to the filter and to the one-way valve, wherein the filter is exposed to the ambient environment at one end and connected to the mouthpiece at the other end, wherein the one-way valve is located inside a tube, wherein the tube is connected at an end distal to the outlet of the mouthpiece to the particle counter, and wherein the particle counter is connected to the computer, comprising (i) placing the mouthpiece in or over the individual's mouth or nose, (ii) inhaling air through the mouthpiece, wherein the air is pulled through the filter prior to inhalation, (iii) exhaling through the mouthpiece and into the one-way valve, (iv) measuring the number of particles and size of particles using the particle counter, and (v) providing the data from the particle counter to the computer.