Customer spotlight: Enhancing TB research with EasyOne Pro LAB - Portable lung function testing
Interview with Dr. Karen Wolmarans, Research Medical Officer, General Medicine and Global Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
Conducted by Jaimee Burgess, RRT/RCP – Director of Research and Education at ndd Medical Technologies
Launched in 2020, the StatinTB clinical trial investigates the potential of Atorvastatin as a host-directed therapy following pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Adults aged 18–65 who have recently completed treatment for drug-sensitive pulmonary TB are eligible to enroll.
Lung function is evaluated using spirometry, DLCO, and MBW testing at five intervals over two years using the EasyOne Pro LAB.
For more information on the study visit: https://statintb.com/.
How did your team first come across ndd and our EasyOne products? #
Karen: Our principal investigator, Prof. Friedrich Thienemann, discovered the EasyOne Pro LAB at a conference in Switzerland and subsequently visited the ndd Zurich headquarters office. He was impressed by its suitability for our work, especially the portability and full testing capability, which were ideal for our post-TB lung disease research.
What features of the EasyOne Pro LAB stood out during the StatinTB study? #
Karen: Its portability was crucial. We transport it between the university and our study site daily, ensuring both accessibility and equipment safety. The all-in-one design—offering spirometry and DLCO—made it cost-effective and space-efficient.
Tell us more about the patient population and logistics of the study. #
Karen: We recruit adults with drug-sensitive TB nearing the end of treatment. Once enrolled, they undergo PET CT scans. If there’s inflammation, they’re randomized for drug or placebo; otherwise, they continue with follow-ups. Most participants are black or of mixed race.
How did your team manage respiratory testing without dedicated technicians? #
Karen: We adapted quickly by training ourselves directly on the EasyOne Pro LAB. The device is incredibly user-friendly, which made it easy for our small team—without dedicated respiratory technicians—to incorporate it into our workflow.
Any advice for fellow researchers choosing a PFT device? #
Karen: Prioritize ease of use and portability. The ability to transport and secure the device is a game-changer. Plus, it allows for compact lab setups, which is critical in TB-endemic areas where space and safety are major concerns.
Conclusion #
The EasyOne Pro LAB has proven to be an invaluable asset in the StatinTB study, supporting the long-term follow-up of post-TB patients with precision and flexibility. The General Medicine Global Health team in Cape Town, South Africa team exemplifies how innovative tools can drive research forward, even in challenging clinical environments.
