Italian pediatric respiratory society recommendations on pediatric pulmonary function testing during COVID-19 pandemic

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a public health emergency of international concern caused by a newly discovered coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2). Person-toperson transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurs primarily through close contact with an infected person, mainly occurring via respiratory droplets and after touching contaminated objects. Accordingly, pulmonary function testing (PFT) could be considered at high-risk for viral transmission due to the potential for coughing and droplet formation during PFT procedures. The most likely surfaces for possible contamination by this route are mouthpieces, proximal valves, and tubing. Also, both technical and clinical staff are usually in close contact with the patient during PFT for achieving optimal cooperation and best results. Effective prevention and control strategies are mandatory to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection in the PFT laboratories. The Italian Pediatric Respiratory Society (IPRS) promotes a series of new recommendations that should be followed by healthcare workers in PFT laboratories during the COVID-19 pandemic.