ATS Pulmonary Function Laboratory Manual

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

Assessment of Patients 1.

Assess each patient for physical and developmental status to determine ability to undergo the diagnostic test(s) and if special arrangements are required. If there is a language barrier, an interpreter will be used. 2. Ask each patient if he/she has complied with the preparation criteria, including: 2.1. If they have recently smoked, and if so, when. 2.2. The time of his/her last meal. 2.3. The last time he/she took breathing medications, and what types. 3. Postponement may be necessary if the patient has not complied with the preparation criteria. The ordering physician is to be contacted to determine if rescheduling is necessary. 3.1. In the event the ordering physician cannot be contacted, the laboratory medical director (or designee) should determine if testing should proceed. 4. In order to properly document and interpret the test results, relevant clinical information including the clinical indication for ordering the test must be provided in writing by the ordering physician.

Equipment Preparation and Calibration Checks 1. Equipment Preparation 1.1. General Considerations 1. Turn on the equipment to allow adequate warm-up time. 2. Ensure the system is leak-free each day. 1.2. FRC N2 System 1. Ensure 100% O 2 2. Ensure demand valve allows adequate flow with minimal resistance. 3. Follow manufacturer’s instructions in setting up equipment. 1.3. FRC He System 1. Ensure CO 2 and water (H 2 gas source is adequate for a 10-minute (minimum) test.

O) absorbers are fresh and placed in the proper order.

2. Ensure fan (to mix and circulate gases) is operational. 3. Follow manufacturer’s instructions in setting up equipment.

1.4.

Plethysmograph 1. Ensure mouth occlusion shutter has minimal resistance to opening and closing (i.e., does not stick). 2. Ensure pressure transducers are correctly aligned. 3. Ensure adequate door seal. 4. Follow manufacturer’s instructions in setting up equipment.

2. Calibration Check (Verification) 2.1. General Considerations 1.

Volume calibration check (verification) using a calibrated syringe (e.g., 3 L) must be performed at least once each day testing is performed; verify calibration of spirometer before patient is tested. 2. The accuracy of the syringe volume must be considered in determining whether the measured volume is within acceptable limits. For example, if a 3.00-L calibrated syringe with an accuracy of 0.5%, is used, the measured volume should be within 3.5%, or between 2.895 L and 3.105 L.

2.2.

FRC N2 1.

Two-point (0, and 80% N 2

) calibration of the N 2

analyzer should be performed prior to each

test. These values should be accurate to within 0.5%.

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