Comparing different methods of obtaining static lung volumes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A comparison of static lung volumes measured via Body Plethysmography and Single Breath Gas Transfer
IRAS ID
217088
Contact name
James MOffat
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
St George's, University of London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
NA, NA
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 19 days
Research summary
Static lung volumes performed in a lung function laboratory are a commonly requested test by physicians. The gold standard method of obtaining static lung volumes is via Body Plethysmography. This method involves the indirect measurement of lung volumes via small changes in pressure generated by the patient’s mouth in a sealed box. This can be a difficult test to perform for some patients, either due to their pathology, struggling with the technique of the test and other factors, such as claustrophobia. (Wanger et al. 2005; Gold & Koth 2016) \nSingle Breath Gas Transfer is a test used to assess the efficiency of the lungs in moving oxygen into the blood.(Macintyre et al. 2005) It is generally an easier test for the patient to perform as the technique is less complicated. Other parameters that can also be measured with Single Breath Gas Transfer are static lung volumes, but are not routinely reported in clinical practice using this technique. \nThe goal of the study is to compare data in patients’ who have performed both tests and assess whether lung volumes measured using the gas transfer method can be used as an alternative, where Body Plethysmography cannot be performed. This would potentially allow for another method of obtaining static lung volumes and may decrease the amount of time it takes to test a patient, since lung volumes and gas transfer could be measured simultaneously using a single test. This in turn could reduce waiting times and save clinical hours. \n
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
16/NS/0132
Date of REC Opinion
6 Dec 2016
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion