Lung function testing during COVID-19 pandemic

30/10/2020 Author: MIR News Center

Since transmission of Corona virus is mostly by contact, during lung function procedures transmission can occur also via aerosolised respiratory secretions (during cough and sneezing).

Spirometry test often generate aerosols in the form of droplets due to patients coughing and therefore pose a considerable risk for the spread of infection to individuals and surrounding surfaces within and around the test areas even in asymptomatic patients.¹

For those who cannot switch to Remote Patient Monitoring and Homecare but still need a physical presence of the patient in the healthcare facilities, the ERS and many other Respiratory Associations worldwide do recommend additional safety precautions during testing.

MIR devices have been designed to minimize the risk of infection. This include:

1. the implementation of Single Use Disposable items and high bacterial/viral filtration efficiency patient filters

2. the implementation of the Bluetooth technology to avoid direct interaction between healthcare workers and patients being tested

1. The implementation of Single Use Disposable items and high bacterial/viral filters

MIR devices are compatible with the use of in-line filters as recommended by the ERS statement on lung function during COVID-19. Use of high bacterial/viral filtration efficiency filters ensures device protection, avoids cross-contamination and protects patient and healthcare personnel from aerosolized droplets in the environment.

It is possible to make spirometry tests by using a compatible antibacterial antiviral filter and it does not affect the spirometry test results. The filter can be plugged in directly to the turbine sensor flowmeter. For a more comfortable test, it is possible to plug a cardboard mouthpiece to the antiviral filter. The filter also allows a bidirectional measurement for a full expiration and inspiration spirometry test.

Here is a brief video tutorial on how to use the disposable set “turbine+filter+mouthepiece” for Lung Function testing during COVID-19 pandemic:

The disposable set in the video is make up by a flowMIR disposable turbine without mouthpiece (code 910001.) + disposable anti-viral filter (code 910203) + disposable paper mouthpiece (code 910300).

2. The implementation of the Bluetooth technology

A Bluetooth module is always included and already installed on the following MIR models: Spirolab, Spirodoc, Spirobank II Advanced and Spirobank II Smart. All these model can perform FVC, VC, MVV, PRE/POST test and Oximetry test (SpO2%, Pulse BPM).

A Bluetooth wireless connection can be established between the Spirometer, the Oximeter and a PC or a Tablet. The patient can perform a test sitting on a medical bed or into a separate medical room, while the Healthcare professional can follow the test in real time on a PC or a Tablet, keeping a safety distance.

This solution can avoid direct interaction between healthcare workers and patients being tested. Operators can follow the test up to 10 meters far from the patient, even from a separate room and directly on their PC or Tablet.