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Table 3: Preparation of technical personnel before performing the DLCOsb test. |
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1. Barrier devices and cleaning procedures: – Use of barrier devices, such as filters, should be made to prevent cross transmission of diseases – Despite the use of in-line filters, the ATS and ALAT standards stress the continuous need for regular cleaning and decontamination of equipment |
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2. Personal hygiene: – Health personnel should follow the recommended standards of hand washing, either by hand washing (40-60 seconds) or by rubbing with alcohol gel (20-30 seconds) – The 5 moments of hand washing/hand hygiene, according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, should be followed |
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3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): – PPE includes gown for activities that may generate splashes or sprayable liquids from blood, organic fluids, secretions or excretions – Use of disposable gloves in procedures with potential contact with infectious material, changing them between tasks and procedures, and washing gloves with alcohol gel before removing them – Use of surgical mask or N95 during patient care, and eye protection to prevent splashes, in case of contagious diseases |
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4. Disinfection and sterilization: – Before caring for each patient, disinfection and/or sterilization of equipment, instruments and surfaces must be carried out |
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These measures, based on ALAT (Latin American Thorax Association) recommendations, are essential to ensure a safe testing environment and minimize the risk of disease transmission.20 ATS = American Thoracic Society. DLCOsb = single-breath pulmonary diffusion of carbon monoxide. |