Effect of intermittent inspiratory leaks on measurement of lung clearance index using nitrogen and sulfur hexafluoride

Abstract

We thank C.A. Whitfield and colleagues for their interest in our study [1], and agree that the effects of leaks on multiple-breath washout (MBW) outcomes are dependent on the type of tracer gas. Efforts should be made to develop an online feedback to inform operators of the tightness or leakiness of the system [2].