ABSTRACT

Oxygen desaturation and supplementary oxygen titration tests are carried out for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic purposes. In order to enhance the precision and accuracy of the results obtained using these tests, we undertook a strategy designed to optimize the technical process performed during their execution. The flow charts presented in this manuscript facilitate the decision-making process during test performance. The authors recommend that the necessity of carrying out these tests be evaluated in relation to the physical status of each patient. The practical utility of the charts has been confirmed during the daily activities at our laboratory; however, their applicability in other pulmonary function laboratories must be explored. Though they were designed at our laboratory as a new quality control strategy, the authors believe that they may be useful for other centers that are also interested in conducting such tests.

KEYWORDS

Standardization, oxygen desaturation test, supplemental oxygen titration, exercise, pulmonary function test.

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