User's Manual

Chapter 8 - Resting Metabolic Rate Test - 97
Recommendations
Resting metabolic rate test using the face mask
1. Since the ventilation is very low (normally <10 litres/min), the turbine calibration
has to be performed with very slow manoeuvres (each complete manoeuvre in
about 10-15 seconds), to obtain the best accuracy.
2. Use the following correction for the dead space (VD):
- 50 ml for the small mask
- 60 ml for the medium mask
- 70 ml for the large mask
Resting metabolic rate test using the canopy option
1. Verify, before and during the test, that the FeCO
2
falls into the range 0.5%-0.8%
and adjust the flow rate of the pump. If the FeCO
2
is too low, increase the flow, if it
is too high decrease the flow. In fact, if the FeCO
2
is too low the measurement
could be not reliable, while an high FeCO
2
could be dangerous for the patient.
2. In order to perform a correct ERGO calibration and to obtein more reliable data
from the test, it is recommended to use a calibration cylinder with the following
concectrations: 1% CO
2
, 20% O
2
, balance N
2
. If you use this cylinder, please
remember to modify the reference values, as explained in the chapter Calibration.