COVID-19 Update: Spirometry testing to resume in Greater Sydney & Victoria

KINNECT have received updated advice from the Thoracic Society of Australia & New Zealand (TSANZ) and the Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science (ANZSRS) recommending that in light of the improved situation of COVID-19 in NSW and Victoria, spirometry testing can now be performed in Greater Sydney and Victoria in workers who are:  

• Afebrile (free from fever), and;  
• Have no symptoms of a viral illness.  

The recommendation states that PPE is still required in line with local guidelines, and that physical distancing measures should still be utilised. 

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR EMPLOYERS?

KINNECT is now able to resume spirometry testing in line with the guidance from today (12 October 2020).  Please note that the guidance requires that Body Temperature is measured on patients prior to testing to ensure they are fever-free. KINNECT will be continuing our standard COVID-19 screening practices to ensure the continued safety of all our customers and staff.  

SPIROMETRY TESTING FOR THOSE MISSED DURING THE SUSPENSION PERIOD

KINNECT will shortly be providing clients with a list of individuals that underwent a medical assessment during the suspension period and did not have a spirometry test performed, despite being a previous requirement.  

We ask that this list be reviewed, and you indicate those individuals you would like KINNECT to perform a spirometry test for and to be scheduled in the near future. Once received, KINNECT will schedule these appointments and provide appropriate confirmations.  

Should the spirometry result not impact the fitness for work of the individual, no further intervention will be performed by KINNECT. In the event that concerns are identified following the spirometry being performed, KINNECT’s Occupational Health Doctors will review the spirometry and the previous medical results, issuing a new fitness for work determination, if required.  

Please note that in the case of Legislative Medicals (e.g. Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme Medical, NSW Order 43 medical, Respiratory Crystalline Silica Medical etc), it is mandatory that all legislative medicals that require spirometry have a medical sign off completed by the relevant Doctor regardless of the result following the Spirometry. 

View the full media release from the Thoracic Society of Australia & New Zealand and the Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science (ANZSRS):  

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