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What Affects the Test

The accuracy of peak flow monitoring depends on your effort during the test. Results will be inaccurate if you do not follow directions or do not give your best effort during testing. The following factors also may affect the results of peak flow monitoring:

• Using medication that expands the airways in the lungs within 4 hours before the test may inaccurately improve the test results.
• Using sedatives before the test may inaccurately worsen test results.
• People who have pain while breathing may not be able to breathe normally. Therefore, the results of their tests may be misleading.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: January 24, 2007
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care, Medical Toxicology
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