Smokerlyzer helping smokers make a positive change

Technician Leanne Allan from Gonville Health Pharmacy, holding a specialised maternity Smokerlyzer.

A device that let's a smoker know the extent of damage to their lungs has become more widely available in Whanganui.

Smokerlyzers measure the amount of carbon monoxide in a person's lungs and recently more pharmacy staff have been trained to use the devices in the region.

Whanganui DIstrict Health Board's Smokefree project leader, Rosie McMenamin, said there were now about 20 Smokerlyzers at health centres across the city.

They included Whanganui Hospital, the Whanganui Regional Stop Smoking Service and through some lead maternity caregivers.

"To make it easier for smokers, testing is now available at Aramoho, Central City, Gonville, Wicksteed and Marton pharmacies," McMenamin said.

"That means people can now talk to any staff member at those pharmacies about getting their lungs tested."

The devices count the parts per million of carbon monoxide (CO) in a smoker's lungs, giving a percentage reading which can then be measured against a traffic light system to let the smoker know just how severe the CO level in their lungs are.

To use a Smokerlyzer, the person takes a deep breath, holds it for fifteen seconds, then blows into a disposable mouth piece on the device. A digital screen then counts down before displaying the percentage reading.

Making the devices more readily available is part of nicotine replacement therapy initiatives aimed at helping smokers in the Whanganui region to quit.

McMenamin said pharmacy staff were non-judgemental so there was no reason not to go in and get support.

"It's free and you can find out just how healthy your lungs are."

Specialised maternity Smokerlyzers were also available and could tell a pregnant woman how much of her unborn child's blood was being poisoned, as well as measuring the CO in the woman's breath.

McMenamin said Smokerlyzers are a great tool for encouraging people to quit smoking - especially smokers who are ambivalent about quitting.

"Those people who are sitting on the fence, seeing that percentage of carbon monoxide in their breath can give them that extra push to quit," she said.

People can also talk to their pharmacist about getting free nicotine patches, lozenges and gum as well as where to go for additional support to quit smoking.