Download Spirometry (Paediatric) Guideline

Queensland Health: Spirometry (Paediatric)
providing public health information.
For further indications refer to Appendix 2: Purposes for performing spirometry.
Contraindications for performing spirometry
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Some conditions may pose a relative danger to a patient or affect the validity of spirometry
performance and results. These include, but are not limited to the following:
unstable cardiovascular status, unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction (within
one month), or pulmonary embolism
haemoptysis of unknown origin
recent pneumothorax
thoracic, abdominal, or cerebral aneurysms
recent thoracic, abdominal or eye surgery
acute disorders such as nausea or vomiting
severe respiratory distress
physical limitations
cognitive impairment, dementia
inability to adequately understand and follow instructions (except when familiarising
child with spirometry) 1.
4.5. Facilities and equipment
Testing Facilities
Ensure clearly defined rooms are available for spirometry testing, particularly for
patients with confirmed or suspected communicable diseases, and immunocompromised patients. Specific infection control procedures pertaining to spirometry
testing are outlined in Appendix 1: Infection Control Procedures.
A child friendly pulmonary function laboratory is of the utmost importance. Young
children need to feel comfortable in the laboratory environment if they are to perform
the measurements accurately. Designated paediatric rooms may help to prevent
distraction in children during testing.
The operator has a significant impact on the comfort level of the child 1. This type of
environment may be achieved through a combination of friendly conversation, songs,
or through distraction with a videotape, book, interactive computer game, toy or puzzle.
Allow adequate space for chairs, wheel-chairs, and prams for the child and
accompanying adult(s).
Version No.: 1.0; Effective from: 26 November 2012
Page 3 of 36
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