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Respiratory and Sleep Medicine

Respiratory Function Laboratory

  • Respiratory Function testing




    Telehealth Spirometry

    Telehealth spirometry is a way for the RCH to continue your Respiratory care from your home.

    Please do not attempt to perform a spirometry test without the assistance of a Respiratory Scientist or HITH team member.

    When you receive your device it is important that you take the time to download the software so that it is all ready to go for when we need to perform a telehealth spirometry. 

     

    What you will need at home

    • PC or laptop with Windows operating system. This will not work on a MAC
    • Webcam (either portable or inbuilt into the laptop)
    • Microphone (either portable or inbuilt into the laptop)
    • Speakers (either portable or inbuilt into the laptop)
    • Email address
    • Google chrome

    Please use the following link to for the latest software

    https://nddmed.com/pulmonary-resources/library/download/software

    Open this pdf for the latest software download instructions

    Software download instructions

    The Royal Children’s Hospital Report Template.

    This will be sent to you via email or during the telehealth call. Please let the Respiratory Scientist know if you haven't received it (number below).

    Follow the instructions below for how to measure your height and weight at home.

    It is important that height and weight are updated for every telehealth spirometry test

    Here are some handy hints on how to measure your child’s weight and height at home.

    Steps to measuring your child’s height:

    1.Find a flat, uncarpeted section of floor and a flat section of wall

    2.Take off your child’s shoes

    3.Remove any headbands, hats or anything else on your child’s head that may get in the way of an accurate measurement

    4.Remove any bulky clothing that may make it difficult to stand flat against the wall

    5.Stand with your feet flat on the floor with your heels against the wall. Make sure your child’s head, shoulders and buttock are touching the wall

    6.Stand up straight with your child’s eyes looking straight ahead. Their line of sight and chin should be parallel to the floor

    7.Have someone place flat object (like a ruler or hardcover book) against the wall at a right angle and lower it until it rests gently on your child’s head.

    8.Lightly mark the wall with a pencil at the point where the ruler or book (or other flat objects) meets your head

    9.Move your child away from the wall

    10.Use a tap measure (ideally a metal one that will remain straight) to measure the distance from the floor to the mark on the wall.



    Steps to measuring your child’s weight:

    1. Place your scale on a flat surface such as linoleum, flat tiles or hardwood floors (avoid uneven surfaces such as carpet and rugs)

    2. Step onto the scale

    - Stand still on the scale with both feet even and flat

    - Don’t touch or hold on to anything as that will affect the weight displayed by the scale



    Where to find temperature and humidity

    It is important that we try to obtain the most accurate temperature and humidity from where you are performing a test.

    Ideally it is best to use a thermometer or barometer to obtain accurate temperature and humidity.

    However, you can also use a heather or air conditioning unit if it is set to a temperature to give an indication of the room temperature.

    The weather app on your phone will show the latest humidity for your area or use this webpage and change to your location

    http://www.bom.gov.au/places/vic/parkville


    Device Set-up

    Correct





    Incorrect



    Attaching the mouthpiece



    Supplies

    If you are running low on mouthpieces, spirettes or nose clips then please inform the Respiratory lab either by phone or during your telehealth spirometry test. Please do not leave it until you have run out completely. 

    Merging data

    If you change laptops and want to merge the data from one device to another then please open the below pdf and follow the instructions. If you have any questions then please contact the Respiratory lab team (details below).

    Merging data instructions 

    Downloading an event log file

    Sometimes there may be an issue with your device and we may ask you to download an event log file within the software so that we can send to the manufacturers. Please follow the pdf instructions on how to download this file.

    Downloading an event log

    Reset the amplitude 

    There may be an occasion where the device is not recognised within the software and it fails to set a baseline prior to testing. The respiratory lab team will talk you through the instructions on how to fix this during the telehealth call. However, please open the following pdf for images to assist. 

    Resetting the amplitude

    Contact for the Respiratory Laboratory

    (03) 9345 5841