Table 2 Comparison of analysers and methods reflecting the opinions of the multidisciplinary specialist PCD team having conducted the research
From: Validation of a portable nitric oxide analyzer for screening in primary ciliary dyskinesias
NIOX® Flex 20 seconds | NIOX MINO® | |
|---|---|---|
Ease of use | Easily used by children over 8 years and by some younger using breath hold (BH) | Breath hold difficult for 45 sec/ 90 sec by all ages. Tidal breathing (TB) easily achieved in 5 ml/sec sampling mode |
Time to complete 3 readings | 5-10 min (BH) | 20-40 min (TB) |
Practical issues | Needs stable environment and dedicated work space. | Needs to be used on a flat surface |
Poor portability | Excellent portability | |
Breath-holding technique difficult for young children and advanced lung disease | Most people could manage the technique but it resulted in a dry mouth. Short sampling catheter | |
Cost of machine | Very Expensive. Approx £30,000 | Expensive. Approx £2,100 |
Need for calibration gases | Yes. Approx £1,500 per annum | No- autocalibrates |
Need for maintenance service | Yes. Approx £3,800 per annum | No |
Consumables | Nasal sampling olives: £40 per 100 | Nasal sampling olives: £40 per 100 patients |
Longevity | Good | Sensor needs replacing after 100 or 300 readings (using our protocol 30 or 100 patients). Many readings failed but were still ‘counted’. Sensor expires after 1 year Approx. £1,215 for sensor 300. |
Range of nNO (ppb) | 25-2000 ppb | 5-1700 ppb |
Effected by other electronic devices in room e.g. mobile phones | No | Yes |