In this episode of Big Ideas Theater, Jeffrey Haynes, RRT, RPFT, FAARC, discusses the new DLCO standards.
According to Haynes, DLCO tests the ability of the lungs to absorb gas molecules. He continues to explain that this test is used to make big, important decision for patients, such as being suitable for thoracic surgery or eligible for disability or employment. It also helps monitor patients for lung toxicity.
“And that’s why it’s so important that we have these new technical standards,” Haynes said. “So that manufacturers and clinicians perform these tests correctly,”
He noted that this change reflects what is now deemed a quality test. He encourages RTs to go ahead and start making the quality control changes that are recommended, while manufacturers implement changes to their process in order to meet the new standards.
“We know we can perform these tests better than the previous guidelines suggest, so we’re just making it tighter because we know we can do it,” Haynes said, reflecting on the impact of the new standards.
Big Ideas Theater 2017 was filmed at the AARC Congress 2017 in Indianapolis, IN. Congress speakers and lecturers shared their expertise and insights during these brief interviews.
Congress 2018
Want to attend AARC Congress 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada Dec. 4-7? Register now and secure your spot!
Want more information on the new DLCO standards?
Sign up for our May 3 Webcast “2017 DLCO ATS/ERS standards: Implementation in the PF Lab” by Susan Blonshine BS, RRT, RPFT, AE-C, FAARC. The webcast is free for members and is approved for 1.0 CRCE.
