interrupter technique
Also written as: Rint — Interrupter Technique
A non-invasive method of estimating airway resistance in young children by briefly occluding airflow and measuring the resultant pressure equilibration.
Full Definition
The interrupter technique measures airway resistance (Rint) by rapidly occluding the mouthpiece or facemask during tidal breathing for approximately 100 milliseconds. At the moment of occlusion, mouth pressure equilibrates with alveolar pressure, allowing calculation of resistance from the ratio of pre-occlusion flow to the pressure change. It requires only passive cooperation (tidal breathing through a mouthpiece), making it feasible in children as young as 2–3 years of age. Editors should render the abbreviation as 'Rint' (capital R, lowercase int) in line with standard usage; the derived measurement of resistance is expressed in kPa·L⁻¹·s.
Usage
Usage note: The abbreviation Rint is standard; do not italicise or alter capitalisation. Units (kPa·L⁻¹·s) should be preserved with correct superscripts.
In Context
- "The interrupter technique (Rint) was selected as the primary lung function measure because the child was only 3 years old." — Preschool asthma clinical study
- "Rint values decreased significantly following bronchodilator administration, suggesting reversible airway obstruction." — Pediatric respiratory clinic report