Article: Peak flow meters only work properly if air is able to freely pass through them. Blowing into a meter that is obstructed by a foreign object will not provide an accurate reading and could cause unnecessary strain on your lungs. Peak flow meters usually have an open orifice in the mouthpiece of the device; this is the area most likely to become obstructed, so check here first before use. When grasping the meter in your hand, make sure your fingers do not obstruct the sliding scale on top of the device. It is important to maintain good posture while using your peak flow meter because this will allow you to maximize your pre-test inhalation as well as your exhalation (which is measured by the device). Slouching or lying down while using the meter will not allow you to get a good reading. The sliding cursor on the back of the peak flow meter is what measures the force of your exhalation. If you do not zero the cursor before you use the meter, your reading will not be accurate. You can adjust the cursor by simply placing your finger on it and manually sliding it to the "zero" end of the scale, which is toward the mouthpiece of the meter. In order to register the most powerful exhalation you are capable of, you must first fill your lungs with air. Do this before inserting the peak flow meter into your mouth in order to ensure the fullest inward breath possible. Be sure to remove gum or anything else from your mouth before inhaling. Not only do you want to prevent blowing a foreign object into your peak flow meter, but you also don't want to accidentally inhale anything when you take your deep breath in. In order to get the best reading possible on the meter, you should place the mouthpiece between your front teeth and seal your lips around the opening. This will stabilize the meter and ensure that no air escapes from the sides of your mouth when you exhale. Pull your tongue backward, away from the mouthpiece, so you do not accidentally block the opening of the meter. The idea here is to get a hard, fast burst of air out of your lungs to push the sliding cursor on the meter as far as possible down the length of the device. This means that your initial burst of breath is the most important for getting a good reading. Don't worry about blowing for a long time or getting all the air out of your lungs when you exhale; only your most forceful rate of exhalation will register on the meter. If you cough or sneeze into the device, you will have to do it over again, as these will give you false readings that are higher than your actual peak exhalation. Don't forget to write down the meter reading! Each time you take a reading using your peak flow meter, you should do the test three times in order to eliminate the possibility that your reading was affected by user or device error. The highest of the three readings is the one you should keep for your records. This is also why it is important to write down each of your test readings as you go. Do not average your readings; you need to keep a record of your peak flow rate, which means you need to get the highest reading possible. If you don't have enough energy or are out of breath after the first test, make a note of this for your records and stick with your first test reading.
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Check the meter for obstructions. Stand or sit up straight. Set the cursor to zero. Inhale deeply. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth. Blow forcefully into the meter. Repeat the test twice more.