Covita Smokerlyzer Assembly instructions

Page 1
©2017 coVita, LLC v033017
212 Cottage Grove Ave Suite C Santa Barbara, CA 93101
tel [phone] ●fax [phone] ●[email protected] ●www.covita.net
The Smokerlyzer®Breath CO Test
Instructions and Tips
Important: Please Read Before You Begin Using Your Smokerlyzer®
This document is intended for treatment professionals,
it is NOT a hand-out for smokers, patients or test subjects.
1. This guide is broken into three sections: “Pre-test Instructions”, “During the
Test Instructions” and “Helpful Tips”. This information is designed to help you
conduct a test and to obtain consistent results with each subject.
2. The tips at the end of the document address many common concerns.
3. Make time to practice the test. Deliver your instructions clearly and confidently.
4. Remember, this is your test. Do not let the test subject dictate the performance
of the test or the results. You’re in charge of the situation, not the test subject.
5. Call coVita at the number below for questions and support.
Typical Smoking Ranges
The “non-smoker range” is based on published data, while the other ranges
provided are only meant to be guides of the typical expected levels.
Compensatory smoking and inhalation intensity make it difficult to classify
smokers in exact ranges. When analyzing a reading, remember to consider
non-cigarette sources of CO including marijuana, cigars or other burning
substances. The ranges below will be observed within 1-2 hours of smoking:
0-6 PPM | Non-Smoker Range
Non-smokers and former smokers typically register between 0-4 ppm, and while it
is uncommon, you can have non-smokers up to 6 ppm. 0 ppm is not the goal of the
test as very few non-smokers will ever register 0 ppm or stay at that level
consistently. Subjects should be made aware that between 0-4 is considered
normal and within this range, their level could fluctuate daily, up or down, within 1 to
2 ppm.
7-19 PPM | Light Smoking Range
Typically observed when smoking under a pack of cigarettes a day.
20+ PPM | Heavy Smoking Range
Typically observed when smoking over a pack of cigarettes a day. Remember to
consider compensatory smoking. i.e. a smoker might cut back their smoking from a
pack to half a pack of cigarettes a day but their body still requires the same amount
of nicotine. To compensate, they smoke those fewer cigarettes harder leaving both
their nicotine intake and CO level relatively unchanged.

Page 2
©2017 coVita, LLC v033017
212 Cottage Grove Ave Suite C Santa Barbara, CA 93101
tel [phone] ●fax [phone] ●[email protected] ●www.covita.net
During the Test
Step 1 –Breath Hold
Say: “Take a deep breath in and hold it.”
Start the monitor’s countdown as they breathe in,
then hand them the monitor to hold.
Step 2 – Countdown
As they hold their breath, say:
Don’t put your mouth on the mouthpiece until
you’re ready to exhale and remember not to talk
until the test is finished.”
Listen for the three beeps to know when the
countdown is finished and when the subject
should be blowing into the monitor.
Step 3 – Exhalation
As you hear the third beep, say:
“Put your mouth over the mouthpiece and begin
exhaling slowly. Push all of the air out nice and
slowly; try and empty your lungs.”
When the subject is finished exhaling deeply and
completely, they can hand the monitor back to
you.
Test Instructions
Instructions for Pre-Test and During the Test
Use our six easy steps to successfully conduct tests with your Smokerlyzer®.
Brief the subject with three pre-test instructions, then deliver three more instructions
during the test.
We have provided the steps in a script format, to help you to convey these instructions
to the subject being tested. You can adapt these instructions to a format that best suits
your testing needs, but be sure to keep the basic elements of each step.
Pre-Test Instructions
Explain the following before starting the test:
Step 1 – Define the Sample Needed
Say: “The goal of the test is for you to empty your
lungs, by slowly pushing out as much air as
possible.”
Step 2 – Explain Breath Hold and Countdown
Say: “When the test begins, you are going to take
a deep breath in and I’m going to hand you the
monitor to hold while the monitor counts down for
a few seconds. Once started, please don’t talk
until the test is finished.”
Step 3 – Describe the Exhalation Process
Say: “When you hear the three beeps, you are
going to place your mouth over the mouthpiece
and exhale slowly, pushing all of the air out of
your lungs.”

Page 3
©2017 coVita, LLC v033017
212 Cottage Grove Ave Suite C Santa Barbara, CA 93101
tel [phone] ●fax [phone] ●[email protected] ●www.covita.net
Helpful Tips
1. Deep Breath:
A deep breath means inhaling deeply, filling the lungs with air.
2. No Practice Breath Holds:
Practice breath holds could affect the concentration of CO in the sample.
3. End-Tidal Breath Sample:
This refers to the bottom air in the lungs, which will have the most significant
effect on the reading. Pushing out as much air as possible ensures that this
portion of the sample is included.
4. Where to Take the Test:
Avoid testing in any area where there is the potential for interference from the
presence of CO from other sources, or from chemical contamination (such as
formaldehyde).
5. When to Take the Test:
Wait a minimum of 5-10 minutes after smoking a cigarette to avoid blowing
smoke in to the monitor. Carbon monoxide can be detected in body for
approximately 24 hours after smoking. Time of day for testing is up to the
preference of the end-user.
6. Starting the Countdown:
As the subject takes a deep breath in, initiate the countdown by selecting the
appropriate icon on the monitor’s screen.
7. When to Exhale:
Three beeps occur at the end of the countdown timer, signifying that it is time to
exhale. The most important part of the sample is the end-tidal portion, so don’t
worry if they blow a few seconds early.
8. Don’t Reference the Breath Hold Period:
15 seconds sounds like a long time, so it’s a good idea to avoid referencing the
length of time. Help the countdown pass unnoticed by reminding the subject of
what is expected of them when the countdown is finished.
9. Minimum Breath Hold Period:
Data supports a minimum of a 15 second breath hold.
(Continued On Following Page)

Page 4
©2017 coVita, LLC v033017
212 Cottage Grove Ave Suite C Santa Barbara, CA 93101
tel [phone] ●fax [phone] ●[email protected] ●www.covita.net
Helpful Tips
(Continued from Previous Page)
10. Standing vs. Sitting:
Breathing may be restricted for some individuals while sitting, hindering their
ability to take a deep breath and exhale fully. If a person can’t stand, then have
them sit as upright as possible.
11. Let the Subject Hold the Monitor:
After the countdown has been initiated, hand the monitor to the subject. Allow
them to hold it while they are giving the breath sample.
12. No Talking:
Advise the subject not to talk once you start the test. This seems to be most
effective when you say it while they are holding their breath and waiting for the
countdown. Restart the test if they do talk.
13. Wait to Put the Mouthpiece into the Mouth:
Don’t have them put their mouth on the mouthpiece until the countdown is
finished.
14. A Good Seal on the Mouthpiece:
The disposable mouthpiece should be placed inside the mouth, with the lips
securely sealed around it, to prevent any escape of the breath sample.
15. Exhale Slowly & Completely:
They should continue exhaling until they can no longer push any more air out of
their lungs. If the monitor beeps as they exhale, it is an indication that the
reading has climbed above 10 ppm, and does not mean that they should stop
exhaling. The monitor will continue to analyze the sample until the reading
stabilizes.
16. Coaching the Subject:
Begin coaching immediately after the three beeps of the countdown as they
begin to exhale, by saying something like this: “Put your mouth over the
mouthpiece and begin exhaling slowly. Push all of the air out nice and slow, try
and empty your lungs.” Coaching will help set a pace as they exhale.
17. Interference from Alcohol:
Your monitor should never be in the presence of any alcohol-based products
(such as Purell or rubbing alcohol), as this can interfere electrochemical sensor
in it. Only use approved alcohol-free hand sanitizers and wipes around it.
Please refer to your coVita | Bedfont Operating Manual
for detailed instructions.