How to Calculate Alveolar Ventilation?

How to Calculate Alveolar Ventilation Rate Per Minute?

Minute Alveolar Ventilation Rate Calculation

Alveolar Ventilation rate is the volume of air that is exhaled from the alveoli to the outside of the body per minute. It can be calculated based on the tidal volume, dead space and respiratory rate.

Formula :
Alveolar Ventilation Rate Per Minute = (Tidal Volume - Dead Space) x Respiratory Rate

Step 1: Let us consider the tidal volume of 1.0 L, dead space volume of 0.15 L and respiratory rate of 12 breaths per minute.
Tidal Volume = 1.0 L
Dead Space Volume = 0.15 L
Respiratory Rate = 12 breaths / minute

Step 2: Substituting the values in the formula,
Alveolar Ventilation Rate = (1.0 - 0.15) x 12
= 0.85 x 12
= 10.2 / min

Hence, the alveolar ventilation rate is 10.2 per minute

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