[Risk Management in Performing Post-Pandemic Pulmonary Function Tests]

Abstract

This document is a detailed proposal addressing the management of spirometry and other pulmonary function tests in the post-COVID-19 pandemic context in Spain. The introduction discusses how the pandemic has affected the performance of these essential tests and underscores the need for a pragmatic assessment of risks and benefits, given that the absence of pulmonary function studies may lead to significant diagnostic and therapeutic errors.The section on the epidemiological situation in Spain highlights that the WHO no longer considers COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern, reflecting the reduced severity of the disease due to high vaccination coverage and the characteristics of circulating variants.The regulatory framework states that the Health Institute Carlos III has defined a new epidemiological surveillance strategy aimed at restoring social and healthcare normality. A ministerial order issued by the Ministry of Health is mentioned, which lifts the mandatory use of facemasks in certain settings, in alignment with the strategy to return to normalcy.The proposal provides an in-depth analysis of the infectious risk to healthcare workers and patients in pulmonary function laboratories, concluding that current practices -along with the use of surgical masks and viral filters- minimize the generation and transmission of infectious aerosols.Detailed recommendations are provided for risk management, including architectural controls, administrative measures, hygiene practices, and personal protective protocols, with the goal of safeguarding both healthcare professionals and patients.The cited bibliography reinforces the scientific evidence base underlying the proposed recommendations and demonstrates a careful and deliberate approach to the safe and efficient reintroduction of spirometry and other pulmonary function tests into routine healthcare.

Keywords: COVID-19; Infectious risk; Pulmonary function tests.