Impact of COVID-19 on Lung Function Testing Practices

This document is a report that examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the practices of lung function testing among respiratory clinicians. It outlines the risks associated with traditional lung function tests, such as spirometry, which require patients to exhale into a device, potentially spreading the virus. The report highlights findings from a survey conducted with 122 respiratory clinicians, revealing that a significant number of them have refrained from recommending lung function tests due to safety concerns. The survey indicates that 57% of respondents never recommended such tests during the pandemic, primarily citing fears related to COVID-19. Additionally, the report discusses the need for safer testing methods, with half of the respondents expressing interest in non-aerosol procedures. The document also emphasizes the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment for patients with respiratory conditions, suggesting that innovative technologies, such as 4D XV lung imaging, should be explored to enhance lung function assessment while ensuring safety for both patients and clinicians.