A Sudbury based study is doing new research on Cystic Fibrosis in kids. Medication for the lung disorder is put directly into the lungs of those affected. The machines used are called nebulizers, and are essentially large inhalers.
But the question, is when that equipment should be replaced to avoid spreading bacteria. Dr. Gautam Kumar, is spearheading the study, and says that even if the equipment is cleaned, it could still have bacteria.
But, he says, there are costs involved with switching out the different parts, like the mouthpiece and tubing. So they want to find the optimal time that is required to change equipment in order to improve lung function and health outcomes, but at the same time minimize costs.
Dr. Kumar says this study is a stepping stone. They want to use it to build a larger one, to establish guidelines as to how often equipment should be changed. He says no guidelines like that exist yet.
NEO-Kids, part of Health Sciences North, is getting $29,000Â for the study.