Frequently Asked Questions – RP CHeck
Q. What does the RP Check measure?
The RP Check measures the following parameters dependent on the test performed:
MIP – Maximal inspiratory pressure
MIP is the highest average inspiratory pressure achieved over one second
MEP – Maximal expiratory pressure
MEP is the highest average expiratory pressure achieved over one second
SNIP – Sniff nasal inspiratory pressure
SNIP is the peak pressure
Pmax – Maximum peak pressure
The highest pressure achieved during the test
The following parameters are calculated for mouth pressures:
MRPD – Maximum Rate of Pressure Development
MRR – Maximum Rate of Relaxation
Q. What do I require to perform a MIP or MEP test?
To perform a MIP or MEP test simply connect a flanged mouthpiece to the corresponding inspiratory (pink) or expiratory (blue) bacterial/viral T piece. Dependent on whether a MIP or MEP test is to be performed.
Q. How should the flanged mouthpiece be positioned?
The patient should place the flanged mouthpiece into their mouth with the flanged gum guards on the outside of the teeth and the bites between the teeth. Ensuring the patient has the mouthpiece fitted correctly will ensure there are no leaks at the mouth and prevents the patient biting down on the mouthpiece.
Q. How is a MIP test performed?
The patient should place the mouthpiece in their mouth and exhale to residual volume (RV) they should then inhale as hard as possible.
Q. How is a MIP test performed?
The patient should place the mouthpiece in their mouth and inhale to total lung capacity (TLC) they should then exhale as hard as possible.
Q. How is a SNIP test performed?
The nasal probe adaptor should be connected to the RP Check, and then connect the nasal probe to the adaptor. There are three sizes of nasal probe available dependent on the size of the patient’s nostril. It is important that the nasal probe bung fits comfortably and does not fall out during testing.
The patient should take a hard, short fast sniff and the peak pressure will be displayed on the RP Check. During the test the nostril without the nasal probe should not be occluded.
Q. How can I repeat tests on the RP Check?
After a test has been performed, pressing the function key and keeping it depressed until the display changes to show the test instruction icon will allow another test to be performed.
Q. How can I review tests on the RP Check and see the pressure trace?
After a test has been performed to review the test or tests performed simply press the function key momentarily and the display will change to show the pressure trace for the last test. The tests are sequentially numbered and momentarily pressing the function key will scroll the screen between all tests performed for reviewing.
Q. How many tests are stored on the RP Check?
A total of 10 tests can be stored on the RP Check for reviewing and uploading to the PC software.
Q. What are the icons that appear on the screen of the RP Check?
A) Smiley face 😊 beside a test indicates that the test is acceptable and falls within the 20% reproducibility criteria of the best test
B) A sad face ☹ beside a test indicates that the test is outside of the 20% reproducibility criteria encouragement should be offered to the patient to increase their effort if possible.
C) A cup beside a test indicates that this is the best test – the highest value achieved.
D) On the top bar of the display on the left is a rectangle that as tests are performed will slowly blacken indicating tests are stored on the device.
E) A flag on the top bar of the display indicates that three tests have been performed and two are within 20% of each other indicating the ATS/ERS reproducibility criteria has been met.
F) On the top right-hand side of the display the battery icon is shown, a full battery will show three black segments, as the battery is used the segments vanish until the battery icon is empty. The device can continue to be used but may turn off without warning if the battery is completely empty.
Q. How do I connect the RP Check to the PC software?
The RP Check can be connected to the PC software using the USB cable supplied. Ensure the PC software is open, the RP Check is turned ON and select the “CONNECT” button to activate communication.
Q. What will the software allow me to do?
Connecting to the PC software will allow:
test results to be uploaded from the RP Check device
Patient demographics to be entered for the patient tested
Predicted values to be selected
Review of all tests performed with the corresponding pressure trace
Tests to be reviewed and individually deleted
Testing to be performed whilst the RP Check is connected to the PC
A PDF report to be created and saved to a prechosen folder
