Measurement of peak flow in children: a comparison between the low-range mini Wright and the low-range Ferraris pocket peak flow meter.

The new, low-range Ferraris pocket peak flow meter was compared with the well established low-range mini Wright peak flow meter for measuring peak flow rates in children. The peak flow meters were compared by performing three forced expirations using each meter, in 50 children. On average the pocket peak flow meter gave higher readings than the mini Wright, by a mean of 15 l/min. The peak flow rates obtained by the two meters were highly correlated (P < 0.001, r = 0.882 n = 50). In conclusion, the Ferraris pocket peak flow meter is easy and comfortable to use, giving reproducible measurements of peak flow in children.