The MicroLab is a portable spirometer manufactured by CareFusion, designed for both ease of use and sophistication in respiratory function testing. It operates on both mains power and an internal battery, offering flexibility in its use.
Function Description:
The MicroLab is used to perform spirometry tests, which measure lung function. It utilizes a CareFusion Digital Volume Transducer, an extremely stable volume transducer that measures expired air directly at Body Temperature and Pressure with Saturated water vapour (B.T.P.S), thereby avoiding inaccuracies associated with temperature corrections. This transducer is insensitive to condensation and temperature effects, eliminating the need for individual calibration before each test.
The device features a touch screen interface with icons representing various functions, including Relaxed Spirometry, Forced Spirometry, Patients, Print, Calibration Check, Database Management, and Customise. A stylus is provided for screen activation, and an optional mouse can also be used. Context-sensitive help screens are available at the touch of a button to explain every MicroLab feature.
Test results can be uploaded to a PC using the optional Spirometry PC Software (SPCS), which also allows for downloading patient details to the MicroLab. Stored data can be printed using the integral thermal printer or an external HP printer via a supplied USB cable.
The recommended workflow for a spirometry test involves entering or retrieving patient details, performing the required test, and then printing and saving the results. The device supports both relaxed and forced spirometry manoeuvres. For relaxed spirometry, a volume/time graph is displayed, and the unit can be customized to perform relaxed Vital Capacity with tidal breathing or from a single expiration or inspiration. For forced spirometry, a default graph (Flow/Volume, Volume/time, or child incentive) is displayed, which can be changed via the customise option. After a manoeuvre, options to repeat, reject, or view results are available.
The MicroLab also includes a Calibration Check function, where a 3-litre syringe is used to verify the accuracy of the transducer at different flow rates. The calibration error for expiration and inspiration at each flow rate is displayed, and should be less than 3%. If a greater error is shown, the procedure should be repeated, and the turbine transducer inspected and cleaned if necessary.
An Administration Mode allows administrators to restrict user access to certain functions by disabling icons on the main menu. This mode is accessed by turning on the unit while holding down the help key and entering a default access code. Functions available in this mode include enabling/disabling icons, changing the access code, adjusting admin settings, test print, information, and factory calibration.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Storage: >2000 tests, including Flow/Volume loops and Volume/Time curves.
- Printer Output: Integral thermal printer or compatible Hewlett Packard USB printers (specified models only).
- Display: Colour 1/4VGA LCD.
- Power Supply: Input 100 to 240V, 50 to 60Hz; Output 12V 2.5A (Class 1).
- Battery Pack: Rechargeable NiMH 8.4V 1A; hours.
- Dimensions: 350x255x120 mm (device), Transducer 50x60x90mm.
- Weight: 630g.
- Operating Temperature: 0 to +40 °C.
- Operating Humidity: 30% to 90% RH.
- Transport and Storage Temperature: -20 to +70 °C.
- Transport and Storage Humidity: 10% to 90% RH.
- Transducer: CareFusion Bi-Directional Digital Volume.
- Resolution: 10ml volume 0.031/s flow.
- Accuracy: +/-3% to ATS recommendations – Standardisation of spirometry 1994 update for flows and volumes.
- Electrical Classification: Class I equipment.
- Compliance: In accordance with Directive 93/42/EEC (CE 0086), Directive EN60601;1;2 electromagnetic compatibility. Disposal in compliance with WEEE.
- Safety: Type B device. Not for use with flammable anaesthetic gases or in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere.
Spirometry Measurements:
The MicroLab measures a comprehensive set of spirometry indices, including:
- Relaxed Expiratory Vital Capacity (VC)
- Forced Expired Volume in 0.75 seconds (FEV.75)
- Forced Expired Volume in 1 second (FEV1)
- Forced Expired Volume in 3 seconds (FEV3)
- Forced Expired Volume in 6 seconds (FEV6)
- Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)
- Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEF)
- FEV0.75 as a percentage of VC (FEV.75/VC)
- FEV0.75 as a percentage of FVC (FEV.75/FVC)
- FEV1 as a percentage of VC (FEV1/VC)
- FEV1 as a percentage of FVC (FEV1/FVC)
- FEV3 as a percentage of VC (FEV3/VC)
- FEV3 as a percentage of FVC (FEV3/FVC)
- FEV0.75 as a percentage of FEV6 (FEV.75/FEV6)
- FEV1 as a percentage of FEV6 (FEV1/FEV6)
- Maximum Expired Flow at 75% of FVC remaining (MEF75)
- Maximum Expired Flow at 50% of FVC remaining (MEF50)
- Maximum Expired Flow at 25% of FVC remaining (MEF25)
- Mean Mid-Expiratory Flow Rate (MMEF)
- Forced expiratory flow at 50% of volume as a percentage of VC (FEF50/VC)
- Forced expiratory flow at 50% of volume as a percentage of FVC (FEF50/FVC)
- Maximal voluntary ventilation indicated (MVV (ind))
- Forced inspired volume in 1 second (FIV1)
- Forced inspiratory Vital Capacity (FIVC)
- Peak Inspiratory Flow Rate (PIF)
- FIV1 as a percentage of FIVC (FIV1/FIVC)
- Forced inspiratory flow at 25% of inhaled volume (FIF25)
- Forced inspiratory flow at 50% of inhaled volume (FIF50)
- Forced inspiratory flow at 75% of inhaled volume (FIF75)
- Forced expiratory flow at 50% of volume as a percentage of FIF50 (FEF50/FIF50)
- Time taken between 25% and 75% of the forced expired volume (MET2575)
- Forced Expiratory Time (FET)
- Tidal Volume (TV)
- Expiratory reserve volume (ERV)
- Inspiratory reserve volume (IRV)
- Inspiratory capacity (IC)
- Expiratory Relaxed vital capacity (EVC)
- Inspiratory vital capacity (IVC)
- Breathing frequency rate (FR)
- Inspiratory time (Ti)
- Expiratory time (Te)
- Ti as a % of total breath time (Ti/Ttot)
- Tidal volume as a % of Ti (TV/Ti)
- Tests per subject: 5 VC manoeuvres, 8 FVC manoeuvres.
- Predicted Values: Various – depends upon national preference.
Usage Features:
- Customisation: The 'Customise' option allows configuration of language, height and weight units, date format and separator, colour/monochrome printing, personalised printout heading, relaxed spirometry mode, predicted value sets, display defaults, incentive display type, printed graphs, best test criteria, interpretation and Lung Age indication, Dyspnoea score and smoking status, daily calibration reminder, manual temperature adjustment, and indices selection. Automatic changes to units and date format occur when language is selected, but can be manually overridden.
- Patient Database: Allows selection of existing patients or adding new ones. Patient details include ID, Last Name, First Name, Sex, Ethnic Origin, Height, and Weight. The system uses ECCS predicted values for Non-Caucasian individuals and adjusts predicted volume indices by percentage for other ethnic origins.
- Battery Status: Four levels of battery charge are indicated by an icon; it turns red when nearly exhausted, prompting charging.
- Time and Date Adjustment: Touch the displayed time on the main menu to adjust.
- Volume and Brightness Adjustment: Touch the toolbox icon on the main menu.
- Paper Loading: To load thermal paper, lift the paper cover using side levers, place the roll, and close firmly. Only CareFusion thermal printer paper (Cat No. 36;PSA1600) is recommended to prevent damage to the printer head. Paper is torn off by pulling it towards you and to the right.
- PC Connection: SPCS (Spirometry PC Software) is a Windows application that interfaces via USB or serial port, enabling live blows to be performed with the PC controlling the MicroLab.
- Charging Procedure: Internal batteries are discharged when shipped and should be fully charged before first use (approximately 4 hours). The orange charging light flashes during charging and turns constant when fully charged. Only the supplied AC adapter should be used.
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning the Transducer: The transducer requires no routine maintenance or servicing. However, it can be disinfected or cleaned. The procedure involves:
- Rotating the turbine transducer anti-clockwise until the locating pip lines up with the small rectangular cut-out in the housing.
- Gently pulling the transducer away from the housing.
- Immersing the transducer in warm soapy water or cold disinfecting solutions (e.g., PeraSafe for a maximum of 10 minutes). After cleaning/disinfecting, the transducer should be rinsed in distilled water and air-dried. PeraSafe Sterilising Powder (Cat No. 36;SSC5000A) is available.
- Re-assembling the mouthpiece holder.
- Screen Cleaning: Use only a damp, lint-free cloth to clean the screen.
- General Care: Do not touch the screen with fingers; use the stylus. Do not keep the spirometer in a damp place or expose it to extremes of temperature. Do not direct the transducer holder towards a strong light source while operating. Check the AC charger for compatibility with local power rating.
- Servicing: No routine maintenance or user-serviceable parts. Return the unit to CareFusion or an authorised agent if servicing is required.
- Troubleshooting: If the display 'freezes' or the unit is unresponsive, hold the on/off button down for 10 seconds until it switches off, then turn it on again.
Consumables/Supporting Products:
- 36;PSA1600: Thermal Printer Paper (pack of 5 rolls)
- 36;PSA1000: Adult Disposable Mouthpieces (500 per box)
- 36;SST1000: One-way Safety Mouthpieces (500 per box)
- 36;SST1250: One-way Safety Mouthpieces (250 per box)
- 36;PSA1200: Paediatric Disposable Mouthpieces (250 per box)
- 36;PSA1100: Paediatric Adaptor
- 36;MGF1025: MicroGard Pulmonary Filters (25 per box)
- 36;MGF1100: MicroGard Pulmonary Filters (100 per box)
- 36;SSC5000A: PeraSafe Sterilising Powder 81g (to make up 5 litres of solution)
- 36;VOL2104: Nose Clips (pack of 5)
- 36;SM2125: 3 Litre Calibration Syringe
- 36;SPC1000: Spirometry PC Software
Caution: Pulmonary filters and mouthpieces are single-patient use. Re-use poses a risk of cross-infection, increased air resistance, and incorrect measurements.
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