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Quality Control Copy TEST COURSE Jan 2023
Quality Control
Quality control refers specifically to spirometry equipment checks that ensure that the spirometer is reading accurately prior to testing and is a part of Quality Assurance. Quality control procedures must be applied on a routine basis. Device quality control minimum requirements are as follows 1:
- Caring for your calibration syringe
- Mechanical calibration
- Biological Calibration
Equipment required for equipment quality control
Spirometer
a. EasyOn b. Spirobank c. KoKo d. EasyOne
Figure 4.1: Example various spirometers
Weather Meter
Figure 4.2: Example of a digital weather meter
A weather meter is essential to measure the ambient conditions in the room in which spirometry is taking place so that these are correctly entered into the spirometer. Thereafter the spirometer software will apply correction factors between the volume of air measured at ambient conditions and body conditions correctly.
Disposables
Various disposable items are required for calibration procedures and should be stocked and available. These include bacterial filters where necessary and disposable mouthpieces. Whatever is required whilst the worker is blowing should be used when conducting the calibration checks of the spirometer.
Figure 4.3: Example spirometer disposables
a. disposable turbine b. bacterial filters c. disposable mouthpieces
Adaptors and connectors
Every calibration syringe has a different port outlet size. Connectors are often required to snuggly connect the syringe to the spirometer
Figure 4.4: Example spirometry calibration connectors and adaptors
a. connectors b. adaptors
Calibration Syringe
The 3 litre Calibration Syringe is designed to simplify the process of spirometry calibration and ensure that your spirometer devices are functioning correctly. The 3L syringe holds exactly 3 litres of air which can then be passed through a spirometer in line with its maintenance guidelines when required. The calibration syringe is a piece of equipment in its own right. Every calibration syringe should be identifiable by a serial number. As wear and tear can affect the accuracy of the 3-L calibration syringe over time, it should be re-validated on a yearly basis or as specified by the manufacturer.
Figure 4.5: Example 3L spirometry syringe
Figure 4.6: Examples spirometry calibration syringe serial number identification and verification expiry dates
