I have been diagnosed with IPF. So far I have had 5 breathing tests. My concern is cross infection between patients, considering that all patients are expected to breathe in and out at extreme volume. I cannot find any evidence that these machines are disinfected on a regular basis, and there doesn’t seem to be any filters at the entrance.
Does anyone know otherwise?
Hi I have had many breathing tests and often wondered if the machines are disinfected. Have a good night and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx 🌻🌻💖
I asked the physiologists at the QE in Birmingham some years ago. They told me that they are thoroughly sanitised at the end of each day. I can't remember what they told me happened between patients but they must have satisfied me or there would have been trouble and no more tests for me. I have been having these tests for 40 years on ever evolving machines and have never caught an infection. I hope that puts your mind at rest a bit.
With the caveat that I’m not medically qualified. Cross-infection is potentially life-threatening for some respiratory patient groups where some particularly nasty environmental and atypical bacteria are able to infect the lungs as a result of the type of disease they have, and all spirometry devices that are used by multiple patients are (should be) rigorously wiped between each individual, as well as other measures put in place. This has been the case for many years, long before covid emerged, and there are numerous studies available online outlining the experiments conducted to determine the risk of cross-infection, at least in terms of bacteria, although the risk is felt to be very low in those without a compromised immune system. Even in the immunosuppressed, though, proven reports of cross infection from spirometry are reassuringly few and far between.
Unfortunately, in practice, my understanding is that it’s impossible to reduce the risk completely to zero, not least because pathogens will potentially remain airborne for a considerable period after a spirometry test (meaning anyone using the room afterwards could theoretically become infected that way, which is why people with certain bacteria are always required to attend the last respiratory clinic slot of the day), but each patient always uses their own disposable filter/mouthpiece, which is effective against both viruses and bacteria, in addition to potentially having additional filters internal to the spirometer depending on the device. The patient ones may look different depending on the device being used, but have been a safety mainstay of spirometry for years as a result of bacterial infections like pseudomonas and NTM being an issue; the picture I’ve attached is the combined, single-patient filter and mouthpiece used with vitalograph machines, which I believe are currently the most common brand of spirometers found in the NHS. Depending on local hospital protocol, some patients known to have cultured certain bacteria, even if only once, may also have to use a different spirometer sensor (the bit you hold in your hand) than those that have never cultured them as part of the infection control practices.
If your concern is primarily covid rather than bacteria, then the filters are effective against viruses, and many hospitals have additional spirometry infection control measures in place. In many areas this still includes only undertaking spirometry where it’s considered clinically necessary, rather than for all patients including those otherwise well and stable, or increasingly, home spirometers are being made available to some respiratory patients. These are reusable, hand held devices that usually operate with the help of a smartphone, and relay the data to the requesting hospital. Other practices where spirometry is still being undertaken in a clinical setting include appropriate PPE for staff undertaking testing (which protects patients by catching any bacteria or viruses then being disposed of), ‘enforcing’ patient hygiene measures like hand sanitisation and not attending if they think they may have an illness. Many patients I’ve spoken to that attend hospital on a regular basis are still lateral flow testing on the day of attending to be sure they’re not putting anyone else at risk. That’s in addition to ongoing requirements for room and surface cleaning between patients attending clinics, including medical devices.
If you’re really concerned about the practices being followed, I would encourage you to ask the question of whomever is performing your next spirometry test. From experience, I’m sure they would be more than willing to explain what measures they currently have in place.
I have had many lung function tests at hospital and never acquired an infection. I'm sure they will have very high standards of hygiene practices.
I had a lung function test about a month ago.
They called me in for PCR on the Friday, told me to self isolate over the weekend and if my result was positive they’d phone, otherwise I should attend the lung function test as booked on Monday.
I was at 2.15pm and the man definitely didn’t have anyone doing the test for the hour before me but I don’t know about earlier in the day
I was worried about catching Covid in particular but it went ok and I didn’t catch anything.
The man was wearing an FFP3 mask with no valve, so that was good.
I would just love to have a lung function test - not had one now for three years!! Was due one when Covid started but it was cancelled and my surgery still aren’t doing them. Ah, but I mustn’t forget that I’ve had two BY PHONE!!
Follow on with breathing tests.I had a response from the hospital respiration dept. There should be a filter at the mouthpiece, which should be replaced for each patient. This was designed in late 80’s at Porton Down
Lo and behold I had a breathing test last Friday, and on the desk was a filter mouthpiece in a plastic bag. The filter is probably about 60mm dia., so quite distinctive. May of had this during previous test, but was already installed. Normally it was a white hollow plastic mouthpiece, installed when u arrive. So ensure that new filter is fitted when u arrive.
Had a walk test afterwards, first time, but quite interesting. For me, more use than the breathing tests, and less intrusive.
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