TY - JOUR T1 - Impact of leaks in sulfur hexafluoride and nitrogen multiple-breath washout systems JF - ERJ Open Research JO - erjor DO - 10.1183/23120541.00119-2018 VL - 4 IS - 4 SP - 00119-2018 AU - Jørgen G. Nielsen Y1 - 2018/10/01 UR - http://openres.ersjournals.com/content/4/4/00119-2018.abstract N2 - A recent study by Lenherr et al. [1] helps quantify impacts of leaks on multiple-breath washout (MBW) systems for functional residual capacity (FRC) and lung clearance index (LCI) measurements. In my view, technical leaks (post-capillary and intra-capillary leaks) are avoidable by careful testing of the equipment before connecting to the patient. However, pre-capillary leaks (interface between the device and patient) will occur, even in carefully controlled tests. The study [1], based primarily on computer modelling, provides detailed data showing that LCI measurements are relatively insensitive to expiratory leaks, but quantitative data on errors due to inspiratory leaks are not reported. It is, however, important to note that inspiratory leaks have a much higher impact on nitrogen (N2­) MBW LCI and FRC measurements than expiratory leaks.Sulfur hexafluoride multiple-breath washout is insensitive to inspiratory leaks http://ow.ly/Y3o830lKOpY ER -