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PubMed · 8634877

A calibration program for Rotorod samplers.

D A Frenz·J C Elander
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite widespread use in the United States, the need for calibrating Rotorod Samplers on a regular basis has not been demonstrated. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this present investigation was to inspect Rotorods that had been operating in the field to determine whether they conformed to the manufacturer's operating specifications. METHODS: Allergists who own Rotorods voluntarily returned their devices to the manufacturer for calibration over the course of two successive winters. The speed of each device's motor was measured with a stroboscopic tachometer. RESULTS: Of the 89 devices examined, ten were found to be operating at the manufacturer's exact speed specification (2400 RPM) and another 31 were within 5%. The remaining devices deviated by more than 5% from the prescribed speed or possessed motors that would not operate. CONCLUSIONS: The authors underscore the importance of calibrating Rotorod Samplers to maintain data quality.

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D A Frenz, J C Elander. 1996. A calibration program for Rotorod samplers.. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1081-1206(10)63434-5

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