DLCO Test Procedure

Preparation

• Select DLCO icon to begin the test.
• Enter Patient Data:
  • Enter patient's hemoglobin and/or carboxyhemoglobin via manual entry.

Calibration

• Insert umbilical into the calibration port.
• Perform Gas Calibration:
  • Select the gas calibration option at the top left of the screen.
  • Wait for calibration to complete.

Setting Up

• Attach Equipment:
  • Connect the umbilical clip to the flow sensor.
  • Attach flow sensor to the patient circuit.

Performing the Test

• Initiate Test:
  • Select start.
  • Have the patient:
    • Place the mouthpiece in their mouth with lips tightly sealed.
    • Breathe normally for four breaths.
    • At the end of the fourth breath, inhale slightly.
    • Exhale completely to residual volume.
    • Inhale smoothly and quickly to full lung capacity.
    • Hold breath for 10 seconds.
    • Exhale completely after 10 seconds.

Monitoring

• Gauge Indicators:
  • Top of Gauge: Turns green when the patient inhales 90% of their vital capacity.
  • Bottom of Gauge: Green when inhaling within appropriate flow range.
  • Center of Gauge: Shows mouth pressure; should be within upper and lower limits.

Quality Graph

• Displays:
  • Percent of vital capacity
  • Breath hold time
  • Inspiratory/expiratory time

Repeating the Test

• Reset Calibration:
  • Insert umbilical into the calibration port again.
  • Select gas calibration.
• Repeat Steps:
  • Insert umbilical into the prevent.
  • Repeat testing steps.

Evaluating Results

• At the end of the second test, check for repeatability criteria.
• Repeatability Dialog Box:
  • Appears if criteria are met.
• Scorecard:
  • Shows which ATS and ERS standards were met.