ATS Pulmonary Function Laboratory Manual

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

Mouth Pressure:

± 20 to 50 cm H 2

O

O (with a 500-L box)

Box Pressure:

± 2 cm H 2

Flow:

< 2 L/s

5. Mouthpiece, nose clip, and other equipment or supplies needed (e.g., facial tissue) 6. Calibration supplies

Patient Preparation (Pre-Test Instructions) 1. Patients should be asked to refrain from smoking for at least 1 hour before testing. The time of the last smoking event should be recorded. 2. The test should be performed at least 1 hour after eating and physical activity (to avoid bronchospasm). 3. Supplemental oxygen (O 2 ) and pumping intravenous infusions should be discontinued before entering the plethysmograph. 4. If pre- and post-bronchodilator testing is to be performed, the patient should avoid using bronchodilators prior to testing, using the same schedule as for spirometry. 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 patient-preparation criteria including: 2.1. If they have recently smoked, and if they have, the time. 2.2. Time of his/her last meal. 2.3. Time he/she took medications for the lungs, and what types. 3. Postponement may be necessary if the patient has not met 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 interpret the test results, relevant clinical information (i.e., diagnosis, treatment) and the clinical indication for ordering the test must be provided in writing by the ordering physician. Assessment of Patients 1.

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