{"id":7392,"date":"2024-08-28T10:33:55","date_gmt":"2024-08-28T10:33:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bedfont.com\/?p=1206"},"modified":"2026-03-09T15:57:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T15:57:37","slug":"measuring-feno-with-nobreath-trueflo-technology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bedfont.com\/fr\/measuring-feno-with-nobreath-trueflo-technology\/","title":{"rendered":"The NObreath\u00ae Utilising the TrueFlo™ Technology in FeNO Testing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Methods of measuring FeNO<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) measurement plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of airway inflammation. FeNO testing is recommended in the joint guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the British Thoracic Society (BTS), and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) for the diagnosis and management of asthma1<\/sup>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2005 the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) published recommendations for standardised procedures of FeNO testing highlighting that whilst evidence shows ambient levels of nitric oxide (NO) do not affect the result; it is preferable to avoid doubt by removing it from the breath sample2<\/sup>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

NObreath\u00ae uses a sampling method, effectively omitting the\u00a0initial\u00a0spike caused by ambient NO, ensuring that the\u00a0FeNO\u00a0reading accurately reflects lower airway NO.\u00a0This article explores this\u00a0method, how it works, and why Bedfont\u00ae<\/sup> Scientific Limited selected this method for the\u00a0NObreath\u00ae<\/sup> device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NObreath\u00ae<\/sup>\u00a0TrueFlo™\u00a0Technology2<\/sup><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

TrueFlo™ Technology refers to the precise control and measurement techniques used during FeNO testing to ensure accurate, repeatable, and clinically meaningful readings that meet the ATS\/ERS recommendations for standardised procedure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.Controlled exhalation flow<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ATS\/ERS guidelines recommend a standardised exhalation flow rate to ensure consistent and comparable FeNO measurements <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NObreath\u00ae<\/sup> maintains this controlled flow using precise engineering, which ensures repeatable readings across tests. With multiple flow incentives built into the device to ensure exhalation at 50mls per second. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.Preventing NO contamination<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During FeNO testing, the soft palate (velum) must close to prevent nasal NO from affecting results. The guidelines recommend techniques to ensure the measurement reflects lower airway NO. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

NObreath\u00ae<\/sup> mouthpieces incorporate a built-in valve that provides the correct pressure to ensure velum closure during exhalation, in line with guideline recommendations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.<\/strong>Measuring the exhaled nitric oxide plateau<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

FeNO values should be recorded during the stable plateau phase of exhalation to capture steady NO levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NObreath\u00ae<\/sup> omits the first few seconds of exhaled breath, ensuring only the plateau phase of the breath is measured. With the environmental NO influence removed the NObreath\u00ae<\/sup> falls in the line with the ATS\/ERS standard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.Managing ambient NO<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whilst the guidelines recognise conflicting evidence regarding the effect of ambient NO on FeNO results, they highlight the importance of managing environmental NO to ensure reliable readings. Different technological approaches may be used to address ambient NO during testing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NObreath\u00ae<\/sup> sampling and flow control technology effectively minimise ambient NO influence, supporting highly accurate FeNO measurements even in variable environments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How a\u00a0FeNO\u00a0test is performed with the\u00a0NObreath\u00ae<\/sup><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When performing a breath test with the NObreath\u00ae<\/sup>, the user will be prompted to take a deep breath and then instructed to blow gently into the mouthpiece with an onscreen flow meter to guide the patient on their exhalation rate.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NObreath\u00ae<\/sup> offers two test modes:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n