MDI Metered Dose Inhaler Aerosol characteristics are relatively insensitive to changes in air flow rate because the Aerosolisation and dispersion mechanisms are dependent on the force generated by the propellant, rather than the patient’s inspiratory effort. Therefore, for MDI testing the flow rate is fixed at an arbitrary value of 28.3 L/min. A vacuum pump is used to draw air through the assembled test set-up at this flow rate. However, these test conditions are not applied for DDU Testing when the Metered Dose Inhaler is intended for use with an add-on device such as a spacer or valved holding chamber (VHC).
Breath-Actuated (BAIs)
The Breath Actuation Controller BAC 100i can also be used for the testing of Breath-Actuated (or Breath-Operated) MDIs. In this case, the BAC 100i is used to initiate the flow, simultaneously triggering the breath-actuated inhaler.
Automated DDU Testing
The Vertus® III automated shake, fire and shot waste range is made up of integrated turn-key solutions for precise, controlled and reproducible MDI metered dose inhaler testing. Compatible with most MDIs, the Vertus III MDI testing systems offer analysts complete control over:
The speed, angle and duration of shaking, ahead of actuation
Firing force and the speed of application and release of that force
The time delay between the end of shaking and device actuation