Abstract

RODRIGUEZ MONCALVO, Juan J. et al. Recommendations for pulmonary function laboratories in the COVID-19 era. Medicina (B. Aires) [online]. 2021, vol.81, n.2, pp.229-240. ISSN 0025-7680.

The airborne spread is the main route of human-to-human transmission of coronavirus, including he SARS CoV-2 virus causing the disease known as COVID-19. The implicit risk of aerosolization of SARS CoV-2 infective microdroplets while carrying out respiratory function tests has caused a significant limitation of activity in most Pulmonary Function Laboratories since the beginning of the pandemic. This document aims to update the recommendations for the management of Pulmonary Function Laboratories in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak in Argentina. New recommendations include ways to carry out pulmonary function testing during the context of a high and low community viral spread phase, the evaluation of post-COVID-19 patients, as well as several aspects of biosafety for patients and operators. Measures consist of promoting air circulation in the environment, the use of antimicrobial filters, the protection of airways and mucous membranes, and hand washing.

Keywords : COVID-19; SARS CoV-2; Pulmonary function tests; Biosafety; Aerosol sprays.

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