What must a basic spirometer be able to test?
Flow rate and volume
2 steps that accomplish basic spirometry.
- The person inhales fully to total lung capacity
2. The person exhales rapidly and forcefully over a period of time.
What are the three prerequisites for a valid spirometry program?
- standardized methodology for performance and calculation of tests
- technician competence
- minimum instrument performance standards
When does invalid spirometry results occur?
If the testing is done incorrectly, equipment is inaccurate or the results are misinterpreted.
How long should a spirometry test be postponed for after smoking, using a bronchodilator or eating a heavy meal?
1 hour
How long should a spirometry test be postponed for after recovering from an illness that lasted three weeks or less?
3 days
How long should a spirometry test be postponed for after a severe respiratory illness or ear infection?
Three weeks
How long should a spirometry test be postponed for after eye, ear, chest or abdominal surgery?
Six or more weeks - unless a surgeon provides a release statment
ATS/ERS suggests testing should not be performed when:
- Myocardial infarction within the past month
- chest or abdominal pain
- oral/facial pain that is aggravated by the mouthpiece
- stress incontinence
- dementia/confusion
What is not listed as a contraindication?
Hypertension - but a BP check should be performed to rule out severe hypertension (200/120)
What position should testing be done in?
Can sit or stand - should record position
Standing is recommended based on what reasoning?
- Most workers are healthy enough to stand for testing
- Slightly larger lung volumes are recorded while standing
- Obese or excess weight at midsection often take deeper breaths and exhale larger volumes when in standing
When using standing positions what precautions should be in place?
- Sturdy chair behind without wheels
- Watch the worked during the test for light headedness
- Place a hand on the worker’s arm or back if needed to steady them.
- Stop the test if any signs of distress are observed.
Tell
Explain how to do the test
Demonstrate
Show proper technique
Coach
Keep going, almost there
3 steps for accurate tests
- Maximal inhalation
- Blast out as fast and hard as you can
- Continue to exhale that 1 breath until it has been fully recorded
How many acceptable tracings to be considered valid?
Three
Acceptable tracings have what 4 things?
- Maximal inhalations
- Hard initial blasts
- Complere exhalations
4 maximal effort through the maneuvers
The two largest FVCs or FEV1s should not vary by more than ____ ml
150
How many tracings can be performed?
Eight
What is the optimal exhalation time?
6-10 seconds
What is the difference between open circuit and closed circuit testing?
Closed circuit testing establishes tidal breathing pattern before the forced expiratory maneuver (done by normal breathing)
Results for health assessments for certain exposures should be kept for not less than how many years?
30 years
