For safety’s sake, suspend spirometry: TSANZ advice
Lung function testing should be put on hold during the coronavirus outbreak 'unless medically essential'
All non-essential spirometry should be suspended to protect respiratory physicians and their patients from COVID-19 infection, according to latest advice.
Nebulisation, high flow oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation and assisted coughing also carry a significant risk of transmission, the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) said in a statement in March.
“While these therapies offer significant benefits, there are often viable alternative approaches to management that have less risk of transmitting viral infections.”
The society recommends using spacers instead of nebulisers and deferring most spirometry tests.
