To make asthma diagnosis easier and more effective, Medikro has recently developed a new bronchial provocation (bronchial challenge) software package, extending the proven capabilities of its Spiro2000 product. Together with Medikro’s spirometry system, consisting of a spirometer, software, disposable flow transducers, and a calibration syringe, this provides a complete system for general practitioners, pneumologists, and paediatricians, as well as hospitals and clinics.

A range of protocols

Medikro’s bronchial provocation software includes default study protocols for the most common types of tests used to diagnose asthma – histamine, methacholine, mannitol, and adenosine – as well as for exercise provocation and cold air provocation. Default protocols can be customised and new protocols created and stored for daily use.

When creating a custom protocol, challenge and bronchodilatator agents can be selected from a list of the most common. Measurements, results, and protocols can be easily imported and exported in XML format, which enables testing to be carried out anywhere and the results sent to shared databases, which can be particularly useful for decentralised and international research projects, for example.

Default protocols can be customised and new protocols created and stored for daily use.

Easy to use and easy to interpret

Like Medikro’s other products, the new bronchial provocation software package has been designed with ease of use in mind. Once the patient is ready, all the physician has to do is select the appropriate protocol and start the test.

The most common types of challenges and variables are set as default values, but can be changed in a matter of seconds.

Data is presented in a variety of graphical and numerical formats to aid interpretation. A dose response curve indicates the relevant provocative dose or concentration in the case of pharmacological provocations. Users can select any variable, such as FEV1 or FVC, to compare the effect of parameters such as dose concentration, work, and inhaled air temperature. Multiple variables can be plotted simultaneously on the dose-response graph.

Users can select any variable, such as FEV1 or FVC, to compare the effect of parameters such as dose, concentration, work, and inhaled air temperature.

The provocative dose level can be adjusted easily, as can warning levels between provocation phases. Provocative dose and provocative concentration trending allows the user to see how the patient’s response changes during their case history. Final reports can also be customised to the needs of the case in question, and presented in the form of a handy, single-sheet printout.

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(Published in High Technology Finland 2008: Diagnosing pulmonary problems effectively)