Abstract
<b>Background:</b> Spirette use on ultrasonic spirometers (Easy on-PC, Intermedical UK) protect the device from cross infection. Adding a bacterial/viral filter (BVF) may further protect healthcare professionals but the impact on readings has not been confirmed. <b>Aims:</b> To determine whether volume verification (± 3% of 3 litres) was achieved with addition of a BVF on the ultrasonic spirometer. <b>Method:</b> Verification was performed with a BVF on either the proximal or distal end of the ultrasonic spirometer using a 3 litre syringe at low, medium and high flows, 10 times on 3 separate days. Values were averaged to establish verification achievement. <b>Results:</b> Verification results for expiratory volume (EV) and inspiratory volume (IV) are shown in Table 1. With BVF placed proximally EV verification was achieved only at middle and high flows, while IV verification was achieved at all flows. With BVF placed distally EV verification was achieved at all flows, but IV verification was not. Presented as mean and ± SD in litres. Values in bold did not meet verification criteria (2.91-3.09) LF= low flow (0-2 L/S), MF= medium flow (2-8 L/S), HF= high flow (8-12 L/S). <b>Conclusion:</b> Placement of the BVF proximally impacted verification of EV at low flows. With the BVF placed distally only IV was impacted. Recommendation would be to place a BVF, if required, distally if IV is not of clinical importance.
Published Version
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