This guide provides a step-by-step procedure for performing a Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) test using the Geratherm Blue Cherry software with LEMR integration to Best Practice (Bp Premier). Blue Cherry is compatible with Geratherm Spirostik and Spirostik Blue PC-based spirometers.
The instructions below are designed for LEMR version 2023.10.9.1642 and later. If instructions for earlier versions are required, please contact LEMR Support.
¶ Start Test
1. Open the patient’s file in Best Practice (Bp Premier).
2. Make sure the patient’s height and weight information is up to date.
3. Go to the Utilities menu and select Spirometry.
4. Choose a specific LEMR Client computer to start the test on.
5. While the test is in progress, a window will be displayed over Best Practice. LEMR Client will pop up over the top.
Are you stuck on this test in progress window? If so, please click here for help troubleshooting this issue.
6. Make sure your Spirometer is plugged into the computer and a mouthpiece is connected.
If using the Spirostik Blue Bluetooth Spirometer, make sure the device has fresh/charged batteries installed and is ready to connect and has a mouthpiece connected.
7. LEMR Client will pop up asking to start a test – select Blue Cherry to start the test.
8. Geratherm Blue Cherry spirometry software will now open and zero the device ("Zero adjustment"). Please ensure there is no air flow into the mouthpiece during this time.
¶ Pre Test
9. Click on Record F/V to start a Forced Vital Capaticity (FVC) Pre Test.
10. Enter the sensor code shown on the mouthpiece packaging and click Accept
The default sensor code is usually K K
11. Follow the instructions on screen to perform the first Pre Test.
The test will pass through the following stages, all of which require the mouthpiece to be in the patient's mouth, only moving air through the mouthpiece (not the nose):
Breath normally > Breathe out completely > Breathe in completely > Breathe out fast completely > Breathe in fast completely > Breathe normally
The current step the patient needs to follow is written in red text, the next steps are in grey text. As the patient follows the instructions, the steps will progress automatically.
The National Asthma Council has a great video to demonstrate how a patient performs a Spirometry test here.
12. Click on Next and repeat the testing procedure. Repeat until at least 3 Pre Tests have been completed.
When the repeatability criteria has been met, click on Save to finish pre testing.
Note: You can use the ATS button to view information about repeatability and acceptability.
- If this is a pre-only session (e.g. a pre-employment medical) skip to Finish Study
- If bronchodilator is required, patient must wait 10–15 minutes then continue to Post Test
If you need to finish the study now, follow the steps to Finish Study then LEMR will upload the report as it is now to Best Practice.
This could be for pre-employment medicals, to do other things in BP or test another patient while waiting for the bronchodilator to work, etc.Later, during the same day, you can resume a Spirometry session to add more tests (such as post tests).
To do this, simply start another Spirometry test from Best Practice on the same computer you had used earlier. LEMR Client will then offer to resume the study then go to Post Test.
¶ Post Test
13. Click on Post, enter the medication used then click Accept.
14. Click on Record F/V to start a Forced Vital Capaticity (FVC) Post Test.
15. Click on Next and repeat the testing procedure. Repeat until at least 3 Pre Tests have been completed.
When the repeatability criteria has been met, click on Save to finish pre testing.
Note: You can use the ATS button to view information about repeatability and acceptability.
¶ Finish Study
16. Click on the close button to complete the study.
17. When the LEMR Client window pops up, the test should be made ready for Best Practice to collect - the test icon will go from an uploading icon to a circled tick.
18. LEMR Server will detect the finished test and automatically import it into Best Practice. The imported test will be stored in Clinical Images. Click OK.
¶ Additional Information
For additional background information on spirometry testing, please view the following:
National Asthma Council Spirometry Handbook for Primary Care (2023) - Download PDF
National Asthma Council Spirometry Quick Reference Guide (2020, deprecated) - Download PDF
COVID Recommendations: National Asthma Council - Spirometry Infection Control Recommendations for Primary Care (April 2022).
More information about CareFusion Spirometry can be found on the LEMR Wiki.