A ventilator console includes an inhalation port, an exhalation port, a console sampler to sample pressure or flow at the exhalation port and at least one sensor to sense at least one of pressure and flow velocity. The ventilator console additionally includes at least one external control port that provides an interface for flow or pressure communication between the at least one sensor and a tube connected to a patient circuit and a three-way valve integrated into the at least one external control port. The three-way valve is connected to the at least one sensor via a common port and toggles between establishing flow or pressure communication to the console sampler and establishing flow or pressure communication to the external control port.
