Acoustic rhinometry: recommendations for technical specifications and standard operating procedures.

This document is the result of the work and discussion of the Standardization Committee on Acoustic Rhinometry and presents guidelines for quality control and optimal application of acoustic rhinometry at its present stage. It is suggested that: 1. A well-defined standard nose is used for testing and optimising the equipment (data for a standard nose is given in the paper). 2. Procedures for evaluation of accuracy and repeatability of the measurements in the standard nose are presented, and error limits are defined for the area-distance curve as a whole, for the minimum cross-sectional area and for the volume from 0-5 cm into the nose. 3. Publication of results should include the volume 0-5 cm into the nose (volume from 2-5 cm for mucosal changes) the minimum cross-sectional area or preferably the two first minima and the distances to those areas. 4. The operator should be trained, follow a standard operating procedure and the environmental conditions (temperature and noise) be controlled. 5. Attention should be given to the nosepiece and the coupling between the equipment and the nose to obtain correct position, and sufficient seal without disturbing the anatomy. 6. The manufacturer should give information about the performance of the equipment, calibration procedures and maintenance, hygiene, environmental and safety standards.