Vitalograph ALPHA Touch - Page 9

09100 Issue 1
9Page of 36
ENG
ALPHA Touch - Instructions for Use
FVC test session:
a. Inhale completely and rapidly with a brief pause when your lungs are
completely full (≤ 2 secs).
b. Exhale with maximal effort until no more air can be expelled while
maintaining an upright posture. It is vital that the operator encourages the
subject to keep exhaling to ensure all air is expelled (when a plateau has
been reached or forced expiratory time (FET) reaches 15 seconds). The
operator should repeat instructions as necessary, coaching vigorously.
c. Breathe in with maximal effort until completely full. The manoeuvre is now
complete and the BVF is removed from the mouth.
d. Listen for two beeps. The device is now ready for the next blow.
e. Repeat for a minimum of three manoeuvres, usually no more than eight for
adults.
f. Check FEV
1
and FVC repeatability and perform more manoeuvres as
necessary.
Note: A single-breath FVC technique may also be performed on the device.
3.2.2. Saving the Test Session
The test session is saved to the database by default, by following the on-screen
messages.
Note: If a compact ash card is inserted into the compact ash card connector
at the right side of the device, then all test blows and not just the best three will
be saved to the compact ash card. Results are saved as per the format outlined
in the European Respiratory Journal, 2005; 26: Pages 319-338: ATS/ERS Task
Force: Standardisation of Lung Function Testing.
The Post Mode screen also offers the option to save and recall test sessions to
and from a permanent storage location on the device. This permanent storage
does not get deleted when test sessions are sent to Vitalograph Reports or
Spirotrac. To access this option select ‘Permanent Storage’.
The Permanent Storage screen gives you four options:
• Save Test to Permanent Storage: An information message will state
the memory location where the test session will be saved. There are
nine permanent memory locations on the Vitalograph ALPHA Touch.
• Load Test from Permanent Storage: The list of permanent pre-test
sessions will appear. Select the required pre-test session from the list
and select enter to bring you into the Post Mode screen.
• Delete Test from Permanent Storage: A list of stored pre-test
sessions will appear. Select the Test session to delete and press
enter. This location will then be marked as ‘Empty’.
• Delete all Tests from Permanent Storage: A warning message
will appear:- ‘Do you want to delete all tests stored in permanent
storage?’. Select enter to delete all tests.