Full Body Plethysmography is widely considered the gold standard for Pulmonary function testing (PFT). The Bodystik represents Geratherm Respiratorys gold standard  PFT system allowing the  measurement of respiratory resistance, lung volumes including residual volume as well as full spirometry and inspiratory expiratory pressure measurements. Bodyplethysmography assists in the differential diagnosis of obstructive and restrictive lung diseases and can be important in identifying the cause of dyspnoea.

Easy cabin entry

The Geratherm Respiratory Bodystik followed a design process intent on improving the patient experience before, during and after the testing phase. The cabin has been designed with an extremely low door step making cabin entry easier especially for elderly or infirm patients. The unique Chair design, swings out through 60 degrees to allow patients to sit down outside of the cabin and comfortably swing in for testing, a feature particularly useful for wheelchair users.

In an effort to make the Bodystik compatable with as many patients as possible both the chair and the measurement arm are both height adjustable, with arm being adjustable during testing, from outside, without interrupting measurements. The door is closed with the aid of electromagnetic locks, these can be opened from inside the cabin with a simple switch as well as outside and adding to patient security is the fact that the locks disengage automatically in the event of power failure.

Optimal patient care

The Bodystik is constructed from a sturdy aluminium framework ensuring stable reliable measurements and comfort is enhanced by ESD glazing on all sides as well as the top allowing a clear view of the surroundings and a bright comfortable feel to the interior. The clear glazed panels allow clear visual communication, this goes hand in hand with the integrated intercom system allowing the patient to clearly hear the user’s instructions during the testing phase.

Quick quality control

As with all Geratherm Respiratory devices testing and analysis is controlled by the powerful BLUE CHERRY® pulmonary function software platform. Special attention has been paid to the testing procedure for the Bodystik within BLUE CHERRY®, the software is able to help the user ensure a good test in line with ATS/ERS guidelines by displaying data for elements such as breathing frequency and exhalation time during the test manouevre. BLUE CHERRY® and Bodystik also allow the user to create a predefined measurement sequence permiting repetitions or multiple attempts of specific measurements, allowing the user to better focus on the patient. These features coupled with the availability of on screen instructions help to reduce test time and ensure reliable results. Post test BLUE CHERRY® is equipped with a powerful comparison and reporting suite, enabling the user to compare results of each test via a result overlay as well as comparing the measurement with ATS/ERS acceptability criteria to ensure sufficient patient cooperation.

The Bodystik can be enhanced with the addition of the optional Geratherm Respiratory Difustik allowing lung diffusion (DLCo) measurements to be performed withing the Bodystik via the standard device arm. The gas supply is fed directly to the patient via a demand valve and the integrated infrared gas analyser enables fast diffusion measurements to be made without moving the patient.

Further software options allow the measurement of MIP (Maximum Inspiratory Pressure) and MEP (Maximum Expiratory Pressure). MIPs and MEPs give important information about respiratory drive, the respiratory muscles and the auxiliary respiratory muscles, this measurement allows investigation of neuromuscular disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

BLUE CHERRY® - The powerful diagnostic software

Geratherm Respiratory is continuously developing BLUE CHERRY® to encompass the latest clinical advances and to further improve its use with helpful new functions. Some features include

• Integrated quality control and measures according to ATS/ERS guidelines
• Interpretation algorithms and proprietary interpretation graphics for spirometry
• Latest GLI predicted values (2012 and 2017) including Z-Scores
• Individually configurable reports
• Long-term trending and overlay of tests
• User accounts with different authority levels
• Optimised workflows through interfaces with HL7 or GDT to existing Hospital systems
• Powerful reporting including .pdf export
• Complex and safe network installations with central SQL database

Making the Bodystik a key part of the latest generation of pulmonary function testing and following our motto: Living Flow