Service manual

IQmark Digital Spirometer Operation Manual

F. Instructions for Performing a Spirometry Test

To prepare a patient for any Spirometry test, you must explain to the patient the entire

procedure for the type of test you want them to perform. Then you should demonstrate

for the patient the correct procedure for performing that test. The American Thoracic

Society (ATS) states in their Standardization of Spirometry 1994 Update: “Perhaps the

most important component in successful Spirometry is a well-motivated, enthusiastic

technician.” Coaching and encouraging the patient with body language and with verbal

language like “blast out hard and fast”, “continue to blast out”, and “squeeze the air out”

will help to ensure a good FVC maneuver with reproducible results.

Throughout of this manual, the user or technician refers to the person instructing the

patient and operating the Spirometer.

The Disposable Pneumotach Mouthpiece (DPM) is designed for a single patient use.

Multiple tests can be performed on one patient during one testing session. Use new DPM

for each future test session on the same patient. Do not attempt to sterilize or disinfect

the DPM. Any such attempts would have a high chance of affecting the results of a

Spirometry test. Do not attempt to re-use the DPM.

 NOTE: PHYSICIAN’S RESPONSIBILITY: It is the physician’s responsibility

to ensure that the test is properly administered, evaluated and interpreted.

The technician administrating the test should be trained in Spirometry by

completing a certified Spirometry Training course. The instructions listed

here are only a guide and should not be used to train a technician.

Prepare by requiring the patient to:

 Loosen any tight clothing that might constrict lung function.

 Remove any foreign objects from the mouth, including dentures if they are

likely to become dislodged.

 Select a new DPM and place it in the Spirometer handle.

Once you are both ready to perform a test, require the patient to:

 Place the lips and teeth around the DPM (not near the end), using their lips to

seal their mouth to the DPM prior to performing any Spirometry test.

 Be careful not to block the flow tube with the tongue.

 Follow the instructions of the technician.

Allow the patient to place the mouthpiece in their mouth and breathe through it before

performing a test. This will help reduce the anxiety of catching their breath and show

them there is no resistance when breathing through the DPM.

This Spirometer enables you to choose among FVC, VC, and MVV tests in both the Pre-

Bronchodilator (Pre-BD) and Post-Bronchodilator (Post-BD) modes. Remember, if the

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