ATS Pulmonary Function Laboratory Manual

ATS Pulmonary Function Laboratory Management & Procedure Manual | 3rd Edition

Equipment Preparation and Calibration 1. Room specifications (46, 50, 56) 1.1.

Large enough to accommodate equipment, personnel and emergencies

1.2. 1.3.

Room temperature between 20 and 25° C

Relaxed, pleasant atmosphere

1.4. If not using a dry gas source the absolute water content of the inspired air should be below 10 mg/L or RH less than 50% between 20 and 25° C. 2. Treadmill 2.1. Calibrate speed and grade every 3 to 6 months (50). 2.1.1. To calibrate speed: • Measure length of belt and place a mark on the belt. • Using stopwatch, count the number of laps made by the mark per minute. • Recheck with average size patient on the treadmill. 2.1.2. To calibrate grade: • The grade can be calibrated by measuring treadmill height from the ground versus the length of the treadmill. A carpenter’s square and level are helpful. % grade = vertical height of elevation length of the treadmill × 100 3. Cycle ergometers (mechanically and electrically braked) 3.1. Mechanically braked cycles are less expensive but require a constant pedal frequency to maintain constant power output. 3.2. Electrically braked cycles are more expensive; however, the power output of the ergometer is more accurate at varying pedal frequencies. 3.3. Calibrate every 3 to 6 months (50). 3.4. Verify pedal frequency with a stopwatch. 3.5. Static calibration with weights allows the user to perform checks of the internal force transducer, although it does not check the internal resistance of the cycle. 3.6. Dynamic calibration requires a means of externally turning the crank of the cycle while measuring the torque (61, 62). Some manufacturers may loan or rent calibrators for validation studies. 3.7. Electronically braked cycles may lose their calibration, if they are not carefully handled when moved. 4. Pulse oximetry 4.1. Refer to manufacturer’s operation manual to obtain quality assurance instructions for the particular brand and model. 4.2. Have several optional probes available (e.g. finger, ear, reflectance, etc.) 5. Resuscitation Cart and Training 5.1. Check daily or weekly, according to institution policy (37, 46). 5.2. An inventory checklist should accompany the cart. 5.3. Check for missing or outdated medications. 5.4. Check operation of airway-management equipment. 5.5. Check the function of the defibrillator. 5.6. An emergency-response plan should be available and understood by all personnel. 5.7. Testing personnel should be knowledgeable in basic ECG arrhythmia recognition and basic life sup- port (63). It is strongly encouraged that they be trained in advanced cardiac life support (46).

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