General about AlveoFlow
What is the AlveoFlow diagnostic platform?
AlveoFlow is an advanced respiratory diagnostic device utilizing the Forced Oscillation Technique (FOT) to assess lung function. It measures airway mechanics during normal, quiet breathing, providing high-precision data on resistance and reactance without requiring forced expiratory maneuvers.
How does AlveoFlow differ from standard spirometry?
Unlike spirometry, AlveoFlow is effort-independent. Standard spirometry requires a forced exhalation that can be coordination-dependent and physically demanding. AlveoFlow evaluates the entire bronchial tree during tidal breathing, allowing for a more accurate assessment of small airway resistance that spirometry might miss.
Why is quiet-breathing assessment beneficial in a clinical setting?
Quiet-breathing assessments significantly reduce test fatigue and are far easier for patients to perform consistently. This is especially useful for pediatric patients, the elderly, or those with severe respiratory limitations, leading to better diagnostic compliance and more accurate long-term monitoring.
Can AlveoFlow help in early detection of airway diseases?
Yes. Because AlveoFlow measures reactance and peripheral resistance, it is uniquely qualified to reveal early manifestations of small-airway disease (SAD) often associated with early-stage COPD or asthma, long before these changes affect spirometry parameters like FEV1.
Is AlveoFlow suitable for clinical research environments?
Absolutely. AlveoFlow's clinical-grade precision makes it an ideal tool for pharmaceutical trials and academic research focusing on bronchodilator efficacy, respiratory mechanics, and long-term diagnostic trends in large patient cohorts.
Technology & Measurement Parameters
What is the Forced Oscillation Technique (FOT)?
FOT is a non-invasive diagnostic method that evaluates respiratory mechanics during normal quiet breathing by applying subtle pressure oscillations (5Hz–37Hz) to the airway, measuring resistance and reactance without requiring forced maneuvers.
How does alveoFlow differentiate between resistance and reactance?
The system isolate flow-resistive properties (Resistance, Rrs) from elastic and inertial properties (Reactance, Xrs) by analyzing the phase and magnitude of the pressure-flow relationship across a specific frequency spectrum.
What clinical insights does R5-R20 provide?
R5-R20 measures the frequency dependence of resistance. A significant difference between total resistance at 5Hz and central resistance at 20Hz serves as a sensitive indicator for small airway dysfunction.
What is the significance of AX (Reactance Area)?
AX represents the integral of the area under the zero baseline of the reactance curve. It reflects low-frequency reactance and is a key metric for monitoring changes in lung compliance and small airway patency over time.
Setup & Operation
How do I initialize the AlveoFlow system?
Connect the AlveoFlow console to a grounded power source and press the primary power button on the side panel. The system will perform an automated 45-second diagnostic self-check and sensor array calibration before the interface indicator turns ready.
What is the protocol for patient breathing maneuvers?
AlveoFlow utilizes quiet-breathing assessments rather than forced maneuvers. Instruct the patient to breathe normally through the bacterial filter while maintaining a firm lip seal. The system automatically flag stable tidal breath cycles to ensure high-fidelity airway resistance measurements.
How frequently should the sensor mesh be verified?
A calibration verification should be performed at the start of each clinical session using the reference 2 cmH2O/L/s mesh. Navigate to the maintenance menu and follow the prompts to establish a baseline for your specific laboratory ambient conditions.
Is technical support available for setup troubleshooting?
Yes, Roundworks Technologies provides 24/7 technical support. You can reach our clinical specialists via the 'Help' icon within the AlveoCloud platform or by emailing support@alveo.fit for live assistance with hardware configuration or data integration.
Hygiene & Safety
Uncompromising standards for clinical environments and patient well-being.
How does alveoFlow prevent cross-contamination between patients?
High-efficiency bacterial and viral filters (HEPA grade) are mandatory for every session. Our system ensures all exhaled air passes through these filters before reaching the sensor chamber, providing 99.99% clinical protection.
What are the standard cleaning protocols for clinical staff?
The exterior casing is sealed and can be disinfected using 70% IPA clinical wipes between patients. For deeper maintenance, the internal flow sensor is moisture-resistant and easily accessible for sterilization as detailed in the technical manual.
Are the airway sensors and mouthpieces biocompatible?
Yes, all patient-contacting components, including our proprietary mouthpieces, are manufactured using medical-grade, biocompatible materials that fully comply with ISO 10993 safety standards.
Is the device safe for testing immunocompromised patients?
AlveoFlow is designed for the highest safety levels. Because FOT uses quiet-breathing oscillometry, it avoids the forceful exhalation maneuvers that can be physically taxing or produce high-aerosol output, offering a safer alternative for vulnerable groups.
Data & Reports
Insights You Can Trust
How is patient data protected within the AlveoFlow platform?
AlveoFlow adheres to HIPAA and GDPR standards. All patient data is encrypted at rest and in transit, ensuring clinicians maintain the highest levels of security and patient privacy.
Can I export clinical reports to existing EMR/EHR systems?
Yes. AlveoFlow generates diagnostic reports in standardized formats like PDF and CSV, enabling integration into most electronic health records and laboratory information systems.
What specific metrics are included in the generated reports?
Reports include Resistance (R5-R20), Reactance (X5), Area of Reactance (AX), and Resonant Frequency (Fres), alongside AI-driven trend analysis and longitudinal comparisons.
Does the system support both cloud and local data storage?
AlveoFlow offers a flexible hybrid model. Data can be stored securely on-site for immediate laboratory access or synced to our clinical cloud for multi-site research coordination.
How does the AI-based interpretation assist in data analysis?
Our machine learning algorithms process raw oscillometry signals to surface patterns of airway dysfunction, providing visualization of small-airway status in seconds.
Are the reports customizable for research or clinical needs?
Clinicians can customize report templates to highlight specific parameters and visualizations, prioritizing the most relevant diagnostic information for their specific laboratory workflow.
Maintenance & Support
What is the recommended cleaning protocol for the alveoFlow sensor and housing?
The exterior housing and sensor unit should be wiped after each session with 70% isopropyl alcohol or a clinical-grade disinfectant wipe. Always use a new single-use bacterial/viral filter (BSPF) for every patient to prevent cross-contamination.
How often does the device require factory-level recalibration?
While the system performs an automated daily calibration check using the provided reference resistance, we recommend a certified factory recalibration every 12 months. This ensures long-term accuracy and maintains compliance with clinical ISO 13485 standards.
How do I access technical support for software or connectivity issues?
Technical assistance is available via email at support@alveo.fit. For immediate troubleshooting, use the alveoFlow Dashboard to generate a diagnostic log report which can be remotely reviewed by our clinical specialists for faster resolution.
What service plans are available for high-volume pulmonary centers?
We offer 'alveoCare' annual service agreements that provide priority helpdesk access, annual on-site inspections, replacement units for loan during repair, and full coverage for all hardware components and cloud storage expansions.
7. Technical Specifications
The alveoflow® platform is engineered to meet the highest clinical standards for respiratory mechanics assessment, ensuring precision and reliability across all care environments.
Measurement Method
Forced Oscillation Technique (FOT); Single/Multi-frequency
Frequency Range
5 Hz to 37 Hz (pseudorandom forcing signal)
Flow Range
± 15 L/s pulse; bidirectional detection
Pressure Range
± 2 cmH2O (clinical safety limit)
Accuracy
Within 5% or 0.05 cmH2O/L/s (Resistance/Reactance)
Sampling Rate
1000 Hz high-fidelity acquisition
Power Supply
Cotinuous Power via 19 V power supply
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, Wi-Fi 6; Cloud-integration
Dimensions
210 x 145 x 65 mm; Weight: 3260 gm
Compliance
ISO 13485, ATS/ERS 2020 Compliance
Need more details? Connect with a specialist.