Nafion™ is a polymer that can add/remove select materials, including water vapor, to a gas stream through a first order kinetic reaction (a chemical reaction). Because it’s non-porous, other molecules cannot pass through it. This unique property makes it ideal for medical applications such as removing water vapor from breath samples or adding humidity to gas samples for therapeutic purposes.
How does moisture impact Pulmonary Function Testing(PFT)?
To accurately assess a patient’s breath, a gas sample must be free from moisture. Since exhaled breath has 100% Relative Humidity and is full of moisture, the gas sample must be dried prior to assessment in the gas analyzer. When moisture builds up around a sensor in a gas analyzer, the sensor’s ability to detect gases or other compounds is greatly diminished. Without accurate sensing, the results of pulmonary function tests could be unreliable. Even a little moisture in any part of a PFT machine has the potential to skew the results and diminish accuracy of readings.
Why does this matter?
Pulmonologists and respiratory therapists who send their patients to undergo pulmonary function testing are looking to diagnose or assess the status of a respiratory illness. The information that comes from a Pulmonary Function Test informs doctors of any changes to their patients’ current respiratory state and the best course of treatment. If a patient’s exhaled breath is improperly dried, inaccurate measurements are used as a means of assessing best treatment, leading to a possibly ineffective course of care.
What is the role of Nafion™ Tubing in controlling moisture in Pulmonary Function Testing?
Nafion™ Tubing has unique properties that can remove up to 90% of moisture from patient breath, while retaining important analytes. In Pulmonary Function Testing, Nafion™ Tubing is placed between the mouthpiece and the gas analyzer, so that the patient’s breath is properly dried prior to analysis.
Alternatives to Nafion, such as water traps or filters, require heavier maintenance, are more susceptible to bacteria, and may not bring the same source of security as this polymer. With heavy testing and tight quality controls, Nafion™ Tubing acts as a leading dehumidification technology and offers critical support to device manufacturers.
Why is Perma Pure’s Nafion™ Tubing Solution Trusted in PFT?
Our customizable solution has been implemented in PFT devices across market leaders in the space. We continue to expand our understanding of the PFT market and the importance of PFT in managing patient care. Our ME Dryers aid in delivery of precise and accurate readings, supporting efficient assessment of patient conditions.
To learn more about Nafion™ Tubing, check out the Nafion™ Tubing section of our website or contact us by clicking the Talk to Us button below.
