Spirometry Infection Control Recommendations for Primary Care

Spirometry is the most frequently performed pulmonary function test in general practice. In an infected person it carries a high risk of transmitting viral infections, even if the patient is asymptomatic. The National Asthma Council Australia has recently updated its recommendations for performing point-of-care spirometry in primary care settings. These recommendations apply where there are no, or small numbers of COVID-19 cases and no known community transmission. They are subject to immediate change if COVID-19 case numbers begin to escalate and community acquisition is identified. In this case, point-of-care spirometry should be discontinued in the primary care setting. Patients requiring spirometry for urgent clinical decision making should be referred to the local Respiratory Function Laboratory.

Before proceeding to lung function testing:

• Ensure that lung function testing is indicated at this time for your patient
• Ask your patient COVID-19 screening questions:
  • about any new respiratory symptoms such as fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, loss of smell/taste (refer any symptomatic people for a COVID-19 test), and
  • examine epidemiological evidence of COVID-19, such as recent overseas travel or travel to an area with significant community transmission or contact with a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case.

Recommendations if lung function testing is performed:

• Inline viral/bacterial filters must be used with all spirometry devices. Contact your spirometer distributor / representative to enquire about availability of an inline filter for your specific spirometer device – do not proceed to testing if an inline filter is not available for your device.
• Ensure the patient is afebrile before commencing lung function testing.
• Ensure lung function testing is performed in a well-ventilated single room, minimising furniture and other equipment.
• Ensure social distancing practices are adhered to.
• Minimise the number of people present in the testing room.
• Whenever possible maintain social distancing of 1.5m between patient and health care worker while testing.
• Always request the patient to observe cough etiquette and respiratory hygiene.
• As a minimum during testing, health care workers should wear Level 3 face masks and protective eyewear, particularly when within 1.5m of the patient.
• Also refer to the PPE requirements as recommended by your local health authority.
• Where possible, request the patient to bring their own short acting bronchodilator inhaler and spacer for use during testing. Single use spacers are an alternative. The pMDI casing and cap should be cleaned, if required, and disinfected after each patient use and the canister should be wiped with disinfectant or alcohol.
• Between patients, clean and disinfect all surfaces in contact with the patient, including scales, stadiometer, desk and chairs and testing equipment, with disinfectant solution or wipes containing at least 70 per cent alcohol using disposable paper towels or cloth. Click here for a list of disinfectants for use against COVID-19.

Hand hygiene remains a vitally important component of infection control:

Practise five moments of hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub, if hands aren’t visibly soiled.

• Before touching a patient
• Before any procedure is performed
• After exposure to respiratory secretions
• After touching a patient
• After touching a patient’s surroundings or belongings.

For more information on national and state COVID-19 guidelines, visit:

• https://www.health.gov.au/
• https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/controlguideline/Pages/default.aspx