The Geratherm Respiratory Diffustik system is an excellent measuring instrument for determining lung diffusion and provides reliable and reproducible results using a fast infrared gas analyzer. The diffusion system was developed as part of a modular concept that can be extended with additional modules. Thus, in addition to the diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), accompanying spirometric parameters such as flow volume and MVV can be added, as well as other diagnostically important values such as MIP/MEP, Rocc/Rint, respiratory resistance and lung volume through optional hardware and software extensions.
Patient comfort is always a priority for the designers at Geratherm Respiratory, and the diffuser is also designed around the height-adjustable measuring device. The arm of the device can be raised and lowered easily and quickly by approximately 60 degrees, thus offering the possibility of performing examinations in a sitting or standing position, for optimal patient comfort. The performance of the Diffustik comes from the fast infrared gas analyzer, which allows real-time analysis of gas concentrations during inspiration and expiration. The powerful BLUE CHERRY® software for lung function diagnostics quickly calculates the results and displays user-friendly curve views with the measured values.
The diffusion system in combination with the BLUE CHERRY® diagnostic software allows the measurement of a complete series of spirometric values as well as the diffusion of CO (DLCO diffusion capacity or TLCO, lung transfer factor for carbon monoxide). Together, this information is sufficient to allow functional differentiation between bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as emphysema.
Fast gas analysis using the powerful infrared analyzer has revolutionized the measurement of CO diffusion during breathing. Real-time analysis of the inhaled gas eliminates the need to calibrate the system before testing, which significantly reduces the test time and in turn contributes to improving the patient experience. The use of carbon monoxide and methane allows the system to determine diffusion capacity at the same time as a single respiratory measurement of lung volume.
Offline processing
Like all Geratherm ventilation systems, the Diffustik is controlled, measured and evaluated by the powerful BLUE CHERRY® cardiopulmonary diagnostic software. The results are displayed in a clear manner. The easy-to-understand graphical representation, presented throughout the test, helps the user to quickly identify potential leaks, for example at the connection to the patient’s mouthpiece, and provides valuable information on lung anatomy.
The great advantage of real-time analysis is the capture of all data. In the past, data was only captured at the sampling site, meaning that the sampling site was fixed, but with the Diffustik, both the sampling site and the sample volume can be adjusted after the test. If it is necessary to increase the reject volume or adjust the sample size, this can be done easily using the mouse, by simply dragging and dropping the marker line to the new position. The effect on the recorded results is thus immediately visible. This is coupled with ATS/ERS checks to ensure that the test performed meets all the required criteria. The final control always remains with the user, but the power of BLUE CHERRY® allows the best clinical decisions to be made.
Large swivel range
The standardization of the tests requires that the test subject is either standing or sitting. The flexible Diffustik arm supports this, as it can be moved effortlessly up and down within a range of around 60 degrees once it has been put into position. This mobility opens up a wide range of possible measurement positions. In addition, it can be easily adjusted to any patient, regardless of their body size, which makes it particularly suitable for wheelchair users.
Modular concept
Software options allow the Diffustik to be expanded to include MIP (maximum inspiratory pressure) and MEP (maximum expiratory pressure) measurements. MIPs and MEPs provide important information about the respiratory drive, the respiratory muscles and the respiratory accessory muscles; this measurement enables the investigation of neuromuscular disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Another software option allows the measurement of airway resistance Rocc (Resistance by Occlusion)/Rint (Resistance by Interrupter). A test that has proven useful in less cooperative patients (e.g. patients with advisory amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
BLUE CHERRY® – The powerful diagnostic software
Geratherm Respiratory is continuously developing BLUE CHERRY® to take into account the latest clinical advances and to further improve the application with helpful new functions. Some features include
- Integrated quality control and measures according to ATS/ERS guidelines
- Interpretation algorithms and proprietary interpretation graphics for spirometry
- Latest GLI prediction values (2012 and 2017) including Z-scores
- Individually configurable reports
- Long-term trending and overlay of tests
- User accounts with different authority levels
- Optimized workflows through interfaces with HL7 or GDT to existing hospital systems
- Powerful reporting including .pdf export
- Complex and secure network installations with central SQL database
Making the Bodystik a key part of the latest generation of lung function tests and following our motto: Living Flow
