Plethysmography (evaluations)

Plethysmography assessments are used to evaluate any adverse pulmonary effects as the result of preclinical safety testing. Plethysmography may be performed in two ways to generate different information.

Head-Out Plethysmography

Head-out plethysmography is a non-invasive technique, used to assess ventilatory and lung function in conscious models (typically rodents). 

Models remain in their environment with their head out while a number of respiratory parameters are assessed, such as resistance to lung airflow. 

This technique is useful for assessing drug-induced adverse effects on respiratory function in preclinical safety studies.

Whole-Body Plethysmography

Whole-body plethysmography is a technique used to assess functional and structural aspects of the lung, such as functional residual capacity, specific airway resistance, total lung capacity and residual volume. 

This technique allows data to be obtained on airway obstruction and lung volume that is not attainable through spirometry and can provide useful data on obstructive airway diseases. 

Whole-body plethysmography is a non-invasive technique. Changes in volume, pressure and airflow can be measured to determine different respiratory parameters.