Flow meters: what do you mean the flow rate from one does not equal the same flow rate from another?

Achieving a stable blood oxygen level in patients who depend on this level of care is arguably determined in part by precise regulation of oxygen flow. The reliance on flow meter accuracy is the cautionary message that is relayed in the paper by Davidson et al in this issue of RESPIRATORY CARE.1 There is limited evidence that defends oxygen flow meter accuracy,2 which may account for the lack of awareness, and which takes this concern off the radar screen of many clinical practitioners who administer oxygen to their patients. The few studies that have been reported suggest an association between flow meter accuracy and the deterioration of the device that comes with age.3,4 Regardless, the published work in this area suggests that a higher appreciation, which challenges flow meter accuracy, is warranted.5