Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) Practice Exam

If a blood gas machine displays different results from a known calibration solution, what should be done?

1. Calibrate the machine again

2. Adjust the balance of display

3. Run the test again

4. Consult the manufacturer's manual

The correct answer is: Adjust the balance of display

When a blood gas machine displays results that deviate from a known calibration solution, the appropriate action involves assessing the accuracy and functionality of the machine. The correct response focuses on the need for ensuring that the machine is properly calibrated and functioning according to the manufacturer's specifications. In this context, if the displayed results are significantly off from the known calibration solution, recalibrating the machine is typically the first step to correct such discrepancies. While adjusting the balance of the display may seem like a plausible solution, it does not directly address the root issue of calibration. Merely adjusting the display could lead to further inaccuracies and does not resolve underlying problems with the machine's calibration or performance. Re-running the test may not provide valuable insights if the calibration issue has not been resolved, and consulting the manufacturer's manual can indeed be helpful, but it is often more effective to first attempt a recalibration based on standard procedures. Thus, recalibrating the machine after identifying discrepancies ensures accurate readings moving forward and is crucial for reliable patient assessments in pulmonary care.