Error Analysis for Vector Scope Measurement of Pulmonary Mechanics

The errors that are incurred by misreading the angle on the oscilloscope face in the determination of pulmonary compliance, resistance, and functional residual capacity with a vector scope are presented. Results indicate that the calculated value will be within 10% of the correct value, provided that the oscilloscope angle is between 10.5 and 78.5 degrees, and the reading error is less than 1 degree.