Nasal nitric oxide (nNO) is extremely low in most people with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and its measurement is an important contributor to making the diagnosis. Existing guidelines and technical standards focus on nNO measurements in older, cooperative children using chemiluminescent analysers. However, measurements of nNO in pre-school children (2–5 years) may facilitate early diagnosis, and electrochemical rather than chemiluminescence analysers are widely used. Pre-schoolers often need different methods to be employed when measuring nNO. Hence a European Respiratory Society Task Force has developed this technical standard as the first step towards standardising sampling, analysis, and reporting of nNO measured as part of the diagnostic testing for PCD in all age groups including preschool-age children. Furthermore, we considered both chemiluminescence and electrochemical analysers that are in use worldwide. There was paucity of quality evidence for electrochemical analysers and sampling methods used in young children, and this manuscript proposes future research priorities to allow updates of this technical standard.

Background and Objective: Urban firefighters are routinely exposed to both physical and chemical hazards that can negatively impact lung health, but it is unclear if firefighters experience accelerated decline in spirometry parameters due to chronic exposure and acute insults. This study aimed to describe sub-groups of firefighters with differing spirometry trajectories and examine the relationship between the identified trajectories and demographic, lifestyle and occupational characteristics. Methods: Data from six waves of the Respiratory Function Measurement and Surveillance for South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service Study (2007Study ( -2019 were used to identify spirometry parameter z-score trajectories, using group-based multitrajectory modelling (GBMTM). Analysis of variance and chi-square statistics were used to assess trajectory group differences in baseline self-reported demographic, lifestyle and occupational characteristics. Results: In the 669 included firefighters, we identified five trajectories for the combination of Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second z-score (FEV 1 z), Forced Vital Capacity z-score (FVCz) and the ratio of FEV 1 and FVC z-score (FEV 1 /FVCz). There were three stable trajectories of low, average and very high lung function and two declining trajectories of average and high lung function. Analysis of subgroup characteristics revealed no significant differences between expected and actual group proportions for the occupational characteristics of years of service and respiratory protection use. Significant differences were seen in respiratory health and body mass index. Conclusion: GBMTM defined distinct, plausible spirometry trajectory sub-groups. Firefighter longitudinal spirometry trajectory group membership was associated with BMI and respiratory disease or symptoms but not with self-reported smoking history or occupational factors.

Background and objective Workplace health and safety (WHS) is an important responsibility falling on both employers and employees and is most effective when the perspectives of all stakeholders are considered. This study aimed to explore the facilitators and barriers to a voluntary workplace lung function surveillance program from the perspective of urban firefighters and describe their perceptions of its value. Methods Using a qualitative, descriptive methodology, firefighters who had participated in a longitudinal lung function surveillance study were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Purposeful, maximum variation sampling was used to achieve diversity in those firefighters invited to participate. We used inductive content analysis to identify themes. Results Interviews with 15 firefighters identified 3 main themes: (i) practical experience of surveillance (administration, communication, workplace culture change, convenience, acceptability, and appeal); (ii) value of surveillance (lung health efficacy and control, social support, workplace management support/motivations, contribution to global firefighter health); and (iii) contribution of surveillance to health (occupational risk, relevance in the context of total health, workability, and fitness and future value). Conclusion Practical and psychosocial facilitators and barriers to providing lung function surveillance in the fire service were identified. In addition to the personal benefits of detecting adverse lung health and allowing for medical intervention, factors known to positively influence firefighter workplace wellbeing, such as providing peace of mind, feedback on good work practices, motivation to utilize control measures, management commitment to health, and providing data to assist with global knowledge were valued aspects of longitudinal lung function surveillance.