peak expiratory flow rate (pēkˑ ek·spīˑ·r
·tōrˈ·ē flōˑ rātˑ),
peak expiratory flow rate
·tōrˈ·ē flōˑ rātˑ),n a simple, preliminary test that measures the maximum volume of air exhaled by the patient to assess degree of respiratory restriction.
peak expiratory flow rate
Maximum expiratory flow, peak flow The greatest rate of airflow that can be obtained during forced exhalation, which follows a diurnal pattern of fluctuation and can be used clinically to evaluate airway tone; PEF is
↓–and airway tone ↑ in various forms of asthma; it can be plotted during the day and used to investigate occupational asthma and detect exacerbation before the onset of Sx. See Pulmonary function tests.
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