Our clinic can perform both the respiratory fitting and pulmonary function tests to meet with the Occupational Safety & Health Association regulations within your State for employees working in hazardous environments and have extensive exposure to toxic materials that affect lung function. Our tests can give your employer the results they require for authorization, and these tests help you receive full assessments for your lung function and overall health.
Respiratory Fitting Test
The respiratory fitting test determines the fitness of your N95 mask, along with any cartridges, filters, or canisters. to help prevent the spread of diseases and protect workers from airborne agents.
At our clinic, we perform the respiratory fitness test under the following:
- Qualitative Fit Testing: Our clinic provides special hoods and a bitter or sweet solution to determine the person’s ability to taste the solution and will record the results of the test based on sensitivity, breathing capability, ability to speak, and head movement. If the person can taste the solution while wearing the respirator being tested, the respiratory isn’t a good fit and needs replacement.
- Quantitative Fit Testing: Using a quantitative testing machine, different exercises will be performed to ensure a proper fit for the mask and will measure the number of particles inside the mask compared to outside the mask. If the mask contains a low particle count, then the mask is a good fit.
The fitting characteristic of a respirator is the ability of the mask to separate a worker’s respiratory system from ambient air. Covid is one of the many, dust, chemicals, fume, and many more particles.
Pulmonary Function Test
The pulmonary function test measures the capacity of the lungs in its exposure to airborne agents and overall lung function. The pulmonary function tests are a non-invasive test that provides measurements for the lung’s volume, capacity, rate of flow, and gas exchange as a common test for those who work in hazardous conditions but is also used to detect asthma, chronic pulmonary disease, and other conditions that affect breathing.
During the test, our physicians will perform the following:
- A nose clip may be placed on the patient’s nose to prevent breathing from the nose and provide more accurate results.
- With the spirometry device, the patient will breathe in and out of the machine as hard as possible for a few seconds. The patient needs to create a tight seal with their lips to provide better results and air leakage.
- After being performed multiple times, the results should appear consistent if performed properly. Once the results for respiratory function are recorded, the records are sent to the employer for evaluation. We will inform you of any signs of abnormal lung functions related to your breathing.
Our tests can recognize and record mask and lung function to prevent serious harm and injury and provide your employer with the information they need to take proper action.