The Ascent system integrates diagnostic testing, physician review, and healthcare record connectivity into a single interface.


RT’s Three Key Takeaways:

  1. Integrated Testing Platform: The software combines pulmonary function testing and cardiopulmonary exercise testing into a single Windows-based solution for streamlined data collection.
  2. Clinical Guideline Adherence: All test grids within the system relay American Thoracic Society (ATS) acceptability and repeatability guidelines, including specific standards for preschool children.
  3. Enhanced EMR Connectivity: The interface software allows for the exchange of patient orders and diagnostic results with electronic medical record (EMR) systems using industry-standard HL7 protocols.


MGC Diagnostics Corp‘s Ascent cardiorespiratory diagnostic software platform combines pulmonary function testing (PFT) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) into one solution.

The Windows-based system is designed to streamline workflow by providing real-time monitoring and data management tools. The software includes test grids that relay American Thoracic Society (ATS) acceptability and repeatability guidelines, which include standards for preschool children, the company reports.

To improve testing accuracy, the platform features a flow sensor calibration process that requires three strokes in specific zones. Users receive positive feedback once each zone is satisfied, which limits the number of required strokes. The home screen also includes a device dashboard that allows clinicians to survey information regarding connected devices and take necessary action.

The system includes tools such as the Insight quality control gauge and Score Card to provide data insights. “MGC Diagnostics has developed a complete workflow system, which combines healthcare industry standards and best practices with flexibility and support,” the company says on its website.

For data management, the Ascent Networking component connects diagnostic workstations and review stations to a central Microsoft SQL Server database. This allows facilities to standardize reports, reference values, and statements across a local area network or a wide area network.

Physicians can use the AscentReview software to interpret diagnostic results and electronically sign reports. The AscentConnect HL7 interface software facilitates the exchange of patient orders and demographics with electronic medical record (EMR) systems. This connectivity allows test data, PDF reports, and text reports to be sent directly to the EMR in HL7 format after testing and interpretation are finished.


Source

  1. https://respiratory-therapy.com/products-treatment/diagnostics-testing/diagnostics/products-2025-pulmonary-function-testing/
  2. https://mgcdiagnostics.com/products/ascent-software