This guide provides a step-by-step procedure for performing a Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) test using Medikro Spirometry Software with LEMR integration to MedicalDirector Clinical. Medikro Spirometry Software is compatible with Medikro Primo and Medikro Pro 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.
1. Open the patient’s file in MedicalDirector Clinical.
2. Open the LEMR widget using the icon on the right side of the window and ensure the patient's height and weight information is up to date.
If the height and weight data is out of date or not filled in on the widget, it is best to update this information in the MD Toolbox on the Weight tab.
It is recommended to pin the sidebar open until the completed test is imported into MD Clinical. The widget is not active when the sidebar is hidden.
3. Click on Start Spiro.
4. Select the target LEMR Client (if prompted).
5. Ensure the Medikro Spirometer device is properly connected to the computer.
Please click here for troubleshooting information if the green light does not appear on the device.
6. LEMR Client will pop up asking to start a test – select Medikro to start the test.
Note: If LEMR Client does not appear, click on the LEMR Client icon at the bottom of the screen or open LEMR Client from the desktop icon.
Then click on Sync Now at the lower left side of the LEMR Client window.
7. Medikro Spirometry Software will now open. Patient details will be shown on the left side and the test window will be shown on the right side.
Be sure to update any details on the left side window now such as height, weight, prediction model and smoking info.
For the prediction model, we recommend using any beginning with GLI2012. Select the GLI2012 prediction model that most closely matches the patient's genetics.
After updating the information in the Medikro Persons and Studies window (the window on the left), always ensure you click the save button at the lower right side of that window.
Failure to do so before closing the test will mean that data will be missing from the report or the report may not be created at all.
8. Check and enter a new calibration code if required. More information about this can be found here: https://wiki.lemr.com/en/support/technical-support/medikro-calibration-codes
Note: If the buttons to start a spirometry test are not displayed, this may mean that the spirometer is not properly connected to the computer or is not fully detected.
Try reconnecting the spirometer; this guide may be useful for Medikro Spirometer connection issues.
9. Ensure that Pre is selected and then click on the shark fin button to start an expiratory flow test.
Important: DO NOT USE Measure menu > Start at the top of the window to perform a test as this will likely result in missing measurement and report data at the end of testing!
10. You are given 60 seconds to perform the spirometry test. Click Stop when the test has been completed.
Ensure the mouthpiece has been removed from the patient's mouth before clicking stop; if the flow reading has not gone back to zero (no air movement), the test result may not be measured!
The National Asthma Council has a great video to demonstrate how a patient performs a Spirometry test here.
Click here for information about the use of the Medikro mouthpiece and pressure tube.
Also, if you are experiencing inverted readings, click here for troubleshooting information.
11. If the test was good, click Yes to keep it.
12. Repeat this at least 3 times to meet the reproducibility requirements.
Red text = 2 best tests do not meet the requirements for FVC, FEV1 and/or PEF
Black text = 2 best tests meet the requirements for FVC, FEV1 and/or PEF
Blue squares = number of pre tests done
Red squares = number of post tests done
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 MedicalDirector Clinical.
This could be for pre-employment medicals, to do other things in MD 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 MedicalDirector Clinical on the same computer you had used earlier. LEMR Client will then offer to resume the study then go to Post Test.
13. Click on Post then click on the shark fin button to start an expiratory flow test.
14. Perform at least 3 Spirometry tests in the same manner as the pre tests.
15. Click the black square with the white X in it (close study) button at the top right corner and wait a moment until the report is made.
After the report pages are processed, both Medikro Spirometry Software windows should automatically close.
16. When the LEMR Client window pops up, the test should be made ready for MedicalDirector Clinical to collect - the test icon will go from an uploading icon to a circled tick.
17. Go back into the patient's file in MedicalDirector Clinical and the report will automatically import into the Documents tab.
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 Medikro Spirometry can be found on the LEMR Wiki.