Lecture Notes: Pulmonary Function Testing Procedures

Overview

• Purpose: Discusses the setup and procedure for spirometry, DLCO (diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide), and nitrogen washout studies.

Equipment Setup

• Flow Sensor with Filter:
  • Must be placed into the breath path circuit within the head of the system.
  • Handles both inspired and exhaled gases through the patient circuit.

Types of Tests

DLCO Studies

• Procedure:
  1. Subject inhales deeply and rapidly.
  2. After lockout time (lockout from exhaling is complete), the distal valve reopens.
  3. Subject exhales into the room via the patient circuit.

Nitrogen Washout Studies

• Procedure:
  1. Subject inhales 100% oxygen from the demand valve.
  2. Exhales through the circuit, connected by a one-way valve.
  3. Continues to tidal breathe in from the demand valve and out through the circuit until test completion.

System Components

• Distal Valve:

  • Closes during DLCO or nitrogen washout studies when inhaling special gases.

• Patient Circuit Management:

  • Easy to remove and replace.
  • Disconnect from four points and pull out.
  • Ensure no kinks or twists in the new or disinfected circuit.

Reassembly Instructions

• Flow Sensor Reattachment:
  • Reattach to the head of the system.
  • Connect the umbilical to the flow sensor.

Operational Notes

• No warm-up time or recalibration necessary for testing subsequent patients.

Note: Ensure all connections are secure and circuits are kink-free to maintain test accuracy and equipment integrity.