RPFT RPFT Equipment Calibration & Quality Control 2

Question 1

What environmental data must be entered into a spirometry system before testing to allow BTPS correction?

Accepted Answer

Ambient temperature, barometric pressure, and relative humidity

Answer

Patient age, height, and weight only

Answer

Room CO2 concentration and ventilation rate

Answer

Time of day and altitude above sea level

Question 2

A peak flow meter shows readings 15% below the lab spirometer for the same patient. What is the most appropriate first action?

Accepted Answer

Recalibrate or replace the peak flow meter

Answer

Retest the patient on the spirometer

Answer

Document the discrepancy and proceed

Answer

Attribute the difference to patient effort

Question 3

Which gas mixture is used to calibrate the DLCO analyzer?

Accepted Answer

A precision gas with known concentrations of CO and an inert tracer gas

Answer

Room air with 21% oxygen

Answer

100% carbon monoxide for span calibration

Answer

Pure helium for zero calibration

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of the mechanical pump ('super syringe') used in DLCO system calibration?

Accepted Answer

To verify the accuracy of inspired volume measurement at known flow rates

Answer

To flush residual CO from the analyzer

Answer

To generate a known diffusion capacity signal

Answer

To test the one-way valve integrity of the system

Question 5

After replacing a flow sensor, what is the minimum verification a RPFT should perform before resuming patient testing?

Accepted Answer

Full calibration including volume accuracy and linearity checks

Answer

A single 3-liter syringe stroke

Answer

A biological control test only

Answer

Visual inspection of the sensor connections

Question 6

What is the recommended ambient temperature range for performing pulmonary function tests?

Accepted Answer

17–40°C (63–104°F)

Answer

0–100°C

Answer

36–38°C only

Answer

Below 20°C to minimize patient discomfort