Information on Lung Function Testing
13/10/2020
In light of the improved COVID 19 situation in both Victoria and New South Wales, The TSANZ and ANZSRS provide the following updated recommendations regarding the performance of lung function tests across Australia and New Zealand.
• All Pulmonary Function Testing including cardiopulmonary exercise testing and bronchoprovocation testing can now be performed in patients who are afebrile, and who have no symptoms of a viral illness.
• Level one PPE or greater, in line with local guidelines, and physical distancing in public areas is still required.
• It is recommended that Body Temperature is measured on all patients prior to testing to ensure they are afebrile.
• Pulmonary Function Testing is NOT recommended in patients who are febrile, or who have an escalating acute respiratory condition.
• We also recommend that testing only be performed using lung function equipment that utilise inline filters. Level 2 PPE (droplet and contact precautions, including the use of N95 masks) may be considered where inline filters are not available OR where high levels of ventilation (CPET) or coughing (e.g. BPT, airway clearance initiation assessments - Bronchitol, 6%NaCl) are expected.
The TSANZ and ANZSRS suggest that members should check for guidance from their state and federal health departments. The link to the Australian Department of Health is: www.health.gov.au and the link to the Ministry of Health in NZ is https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus.
This approach is consistent with recent recommendations by national and international agencies and are subject to ongoing review.
Prof. Bruce Thompson Mr Jarrod Warner
TSANZ President ANZSRS President
