ATS Pulmonary Function Laboratory Manual

chapter  6

Procedure

Pre-Test Preparation

Step Action 1. Check patient identification. Ask the patient to state or spell his/her first and last names, and date of birth. Verify the spelling and date of birth against ID band, and/or requisition. IF THEN Patient unable to provide information • Get information from family member or caregiver, if present. • Notify person in charge, if a family member or caregiver is not present to provide the information The identifiers do not match • Contact registration • Resolve discrepancies before proceeding The ID band is present but not attached to the patient • Do not proceed. • Notify patient’s nurse or registration desk 2. Check for a complete physician’s order. 3. Collect and record demographic information. 4. Explain and demonstrate test maneuver and have patient seated comfortably. Advise the patient they will have to remain seated throughout the test. Instruct the patient to keep a tight lip seal and to give maximum effort. A tight-fitting nose clip should be properly in place. Step Action 1. Because of the potential for muscular fatigue and volume history effects, it is preferable that SVC maneu- vers be performed before FVC maneuvers. 2. The VC maneuver may be considered either as an inspiratory vital capacity (IVC) where the patient inhales completely from a position of full expiration, or as an expiratory vital capacity (EVC) where the patient exhales completely from a position of full inspiration. 3. Instruct the patient to inhale completely (an IVC). 4. Instruct the patient to exhale slowly and evenly until there is no volume change (< 0.025 L) for a period of 1 second. 5. Repeat for a minimum of three acceptable maneuvers. 6. Check repeatability: difference between the largest and next largest VC should be less than 0.150 L. If not met, additional maneuvers should be obtained. Additional maneuvers may be needed to meet repeat- ability criterion. Slow Vital Capacity

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