Cleaning the Spirometer Sensor

The spirometer must be cleaned between each use to prevent the transmission of respiratory infections. Always wear gloves during cleaning.

Disassembly

  1. Undo the clips and disassemble the spirometer.
  2. Disconnect the electronics (orange and black housing) and set aside.
  3. Gently wipe the electronics housing with a disinfectant wipe. 
    Do not immerse this component or use excessive liquid.
  4. Remove the remaining components:
    • Front housing
    • Gray tubes
    • Rubber gaskets (inside tubes)
    • Fleisch element
    • Handle (slides off once disconnected)
Spirometer components showing washable parts

Cleaning

  1. Prepare a container with either:
    • Warm soapy water, or
    • 5% bleach solution
  2. Fully immerse all non-electronic components for 5–10 minutes.
  3. Every minute, gently agitate (swish) the components for 10–15 seconds.

Rinsing

  1. Remove components and place on paper towels to drain.
  2. Put on clean gloves.

  3. Using a squirt bottle, rinse:

    • Tubing lumen
    • All crevices

    with deionized water several times.

  4. Drain and place components on paper towels to dry completely.

Drying

Important: The Fleisch element and gray tubing must be completely dry. Residual moisture can impair airflow and affect measurements.

  • Use compressed air to remove visible moisture.
  • If using a lab air system, ensure it is oil-free and filtered.
  • Finish drying with a hair dryer to ensure no moisture remains.

Additional Notes

  • Disposable bacterial/viral filters reduce contamination risk but do not eliminate all pathogens.
  • Consider using multiple spirometers to allow proper cleaning and drying between users.
  • Total cleaning time is approximately 20 minutes.

Spirometer Sensor | Disassembly & Assembly