Instrumentation for measuring functional residual capacity in small animals

A system for measuring functional residual capacity (FRC) by the dilution method was evaluated to determine its suitability for use in neonates and small animals. The system makes use of rapid, automatically triggered valves for precise closure at end expiration. Results of a theoretical error analysis and experimental in vitro tests are presented and indicate that the measuring error in FRC is related to the FRC-to-initial rebreathing bag volume ratio. With a 200-ml bag volume one standard deviation of the calculated error was 16% for a 50-ml, 9.1% for a 100-ml, and 5.8% for a 200-ml FRC.