Those that have been assessed as competent to perform and interpret spirometry in terms of psychological changes. Those who have been assessed in interpretation only. “garbage in, garbage out”. Spirometry is essential for confirming a clinical diagnosis of COPD, and provides a useful description of the severity of the disease in addition to monitoring the progression of the disease over time. Without interpretation, data collection is a meaningless exercise. PDF | Spirometry testing plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of COPD and asthma in the primary care setting. Is the test interpretable? Spirometry interpretation algorithm from the Primary Care Respiratory Alliance of Canada Pre–β 2-agonist FEV 1-FVC ratio Reduced <0.70 or LLN β 2-agonist *Reduced (<0.70 or LLN) §⇑FEV 1 If spirometry shows airflow obstruction or you suspect a diagnosis of asthma, consider proceeding with reversibility testing.. a. Reversibility tests involves performing spirometry before and after bronchodilator therapy and can help distinguish between asthma and COPD (note that spirometry may be normal in stable asthma). A spirometer measures the following parameters: Forced vital capacity (FVC) — the volume of air that can be exhaled B. Seating & Supine Spirometry Evaluate Gas Exchange: PO2 & alveolar-arterial oxygen pressure difference Physiologic dead space ventilation Diffusion capacity Interpreting PFT: General Approach to Interpretation: A. An effort is considered good when there is a Next, evaluate the test for acceptability and reproducibility Criteria for acceptability and reproducibility are established by the American Thoracic Society.7 In general, an FVC maneuver is accept-able if the patient has made a goo d effort. Basic spirometry interpretation Although the FEV1 was first described in 1949 by Tiffeneau the basic algorithm for interpreting spirometry using the FEV1/FVC ratio was developed by Gaensler in 1951. The computer will flag an abnormally low value by putting an asterisk or square mark to the left of the values Spirometry Interpretation The FEV1/FVC Predicted value is the mean FEV1/FVC for a large number of normal people of this particular age. b. Even the most painstakingly precise measurements of lung function are no use if the clinician does not understand what they mean or, worse still, the ... interpret spirometry review.qxd 18/02/2008 20:07 Page 5. 1 Spirometry measures the maximal volume of air forcibly exhaled from the point of It is the HCP choice which level of competence is achieved in spirometry … Spirometry interpretation is not limited to evaluating physiologic pat-terns, but also pre-test procedures and test quality. 5,6 Spirometry training is required for all health technologists and will be provided by NIOSH. While the quality of office spirometry has raised questions about its usefulness [5, 6], it is possible to obtain quality spirometry data in primary care settings [3, 7]. reliable spirometry tests without interpretation. The other spirometry tests are not covered. 8. Spirometry Interpretation In this case, the FEV1/FVC (0.74 or 74%) is within a normal range. In this article we offer information about the interpretation of the flow-volume loop. Spirometry Interpretation. the interpretation of the results will be affected. It is required for COPD to be diagnosed, assessed and monitored correctly. Spirometry is part of the Respiratory Health (RH) component, together with Exhaled Nitric Oxide (ENO) testing (please refer to the C. Are the results normal? testing, and interpretation set by the American Thoracic Society (ATS). Spirometry is the gold standard for accurate and repeatable measurement of lung function. New spirometry interpretation algorithm Given the limitations of the currently available algorithm,4 members of the Primary Care Respiratory Figure 1.