Thanks to the generous support of the Department of Health WA and Telethon, Respiratory Care WA is excited to introduce two new state-of-the-art lung function testing machines featuring Diffusing Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO) capabilities.
These advanced systems combine four tests in one—Spirometry, FOT, FeNO and DLCO, providing clinicians with comprehensive tools to assess how effectively the lungs transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. Suitable for both children and adults, the machines offer faster, more accurate insights into respiratory health.
“The DLCO and FOT tests are much easier for people who struggle with the forced exhalation required in spirometry, which means we can now achieve a far more accurate diagnosis,” says Chief Operating Officer Kim Stevenson.
We also extend our sincere thanks to MGC Diagnostics Australia for their support with equipment sourcing and training, and to PEACH (Personnel Employed at Alcoa Charity Help) for funding two purpose-built mobile trolleys. These trolleys significantly improve portability, allowing our team to move the equipment easily between clinic locations and deliver care more flexibly.
In addition to the new equipment, we are excited to introduce our advanced respiratory laboratory management platform, Respiro, developed by Medical Software Innovation (MSI). This modern software solution streamlines the way we capture, interpret, report, and securely distribute respiratory test results back to our referral partners, enhancing both clinical efficiency and the overall patient experience.
We have also been working closely with MSI on the co-development of a comprehensive Respiratory Health Record module within Respiro. This addition enables us to seamlessly document and trend key adjunct assessments such as medication changes and adjustments, oral corticosteroid use, and the ACQ-5 – a widely recognised tool for assessing asthma symptoms and control.
By consolidating these data points into a single, purpose-built platform, our team can now track each consumer’s respiratory journey more accurately and efficiently than ever before. This integrated approach represents a long-awaited milestone for our service, supporting better clinical insights, continuity of care, and meaningful outcome measurement.
Aoife Lowe, Senior Respiratory Scientist and Chloe Hoare, Clinical Coordinator with Respiratory Care WA’s new LFT equipment.
