Comparing Pressure Based and Dilution Based Total Lung Capacity Measurements in COPD Patients for Lung Function Diagnostics

Total Lung Capacity (TLC) of the lungs can be determined using a pressure based method (i.e. by body plethysmography) or it can be determined using a dilution based method (i.e. by single breath dilution during a CO diffusing capacity test). The results of the two methods differ, especially in patients with higher grades of COPD. The study investigates an improved analysis for the determination of TLC using the dilution method; this method has been suggested in the new ATS/ERS DLCO (diffusion capacity of lung for carbon monoxide) standard published in 2017. This study is based on approx. 120 participants. So far, there has not been a study using commercially available equipment.

Spirometry, lung volume measurement by body plethysmography and DLCO measurements will be performed on reference device (Masterscreen Body/Diff, Vyaire, USA), Spirometry and DLCO will also be performed on the device under test (EasyOne Pro LAB, ndd Medizintechnik AG, Switzerland) in a crossover design. Both devices are CE marked and FDA approved. The tests performed on both devices are standardized tests performed routinely with patients.