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PFT labs re-opening

By Denise Kirby posted 04-20-2020 15:39

  
Hi Everyone,

Has anyone begun to strategically plan how to open their PFT lab once the "stay at home" order has been lifted. Some of my ideas are:
1. Staff and patient continue to wear mask as much as possible during test
2. Use of N-95 or surgical masks with good hand hygiene
3. Spacing patients times differently to maintain distance
4. Air purifiers with HEPA filters.

Thoughts, ideas, suggestions...

Trying to be pro-active. Because all lab are going to be very busy.

Thank you for your time
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Lori Chiavelli
07-24-2020 08:44

​Negative Covid-19 (PCR) test within 96 hours of appointment.
Covid screening questions and temperature taken in lobby upon entry.
We are wearing full PPE for testing.
Room is empty 30 minutes after test.
Room cleaned.
Eagerly awaiting ATS guidelines.
Nebraska website from UNMC very helpful as well as UW Hospital --
Recommendations on Performing Pulmonary Function Test ...www.nebraskamed.com › files › documents › covid-19​

Andrew Hennemann
05-21-2020 09:31

​Has anyone tried using double filters, one on patient side and one on expiratory side of pneumotach? Has anyone tried this on the Koko portable spirometer as well?

Nancy Scott
05-15-2020 13:19

​

We are seeking processes others are using to reopen their PFT labs.  Any information you are able to share is greatly appreciated.

Andrew Hennemann
05-14-2020 09:41

​Has anyone opened and if so what are your guidelines for testing and screening?
Thanks
Andy

Charles Kimball
04-28-2020 12:41

I went to MGC Diagnostic website only to find the webinar is already full. They did indicate it will be recorded and available sometime after the live presentation however.
There is also a post on the Help Line by Jeff Haynes regarding some preliminary information released by the ATS on reopening the PFT Lab.

Denise Kirby
04-27-2020 16:40

good ideas, glad to know we are all thinking alike. I am in PA and have to wait for the "stay at Home" order to be lifted. I did just receive an email from MGC Diagnostic. They are having a Webinar on May 5.Go to their website to register. It doesn't matter which vendor you use. I hope they also have some ideas. Stay safe everyone and thank you for your thoughts. 

Andrea Scott
04-23-2020 13:24

​Good ideas. I like the 30 min down time. Are we ok with just changing filters in between patients?

Beata Rothrock
04-22-2020 21:15

We are thinking about doing similar. How about post bronchodilator treatment? Are you switching everyone to MDI`s?

Crista Jensen
04-21-2020 09:20

​Good Morning,
All of those are great ideas.  We are planning in similar ways.  We are not allowing anyone in the lab with the patient, using N95 for all testing with eye protection and gowns.  If the patient is doing body box testing we are doing the test with the door closed for all parts of test unless patient insists on having door open (some kids get nervous).  All tests scheduled will have spacing between visits so that there is proper "air down" time of 30 minutes.  Just like with pentamidine type treatments. 

Hope that helps!

Crista Jensen RRT RPFT
Manager Pulmonary Diagnostics
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta