Spirometry
Preventive Health Lab offers a fairly simple test to detect respiratory function and the onset of
potential respiratory desease. Spirometry (a measurement of breath function) is the most common
of the Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), measuring lung function, specifically the measurement of
the amount (volume) and/or speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. Spirometry is an
important tool used for generating pneumotachographs which are helpful in assessing conditions
such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and COPD.
A spirometry test is performed using a device called a spirometer. The most commonly used
guidelines for spirometric testing and interpretation are set by the American Thoracic Society (ATS)
and the European Respiratory Society (ERS).
Procedure
The basic FVC test varies slightly depending on the equipment used. Generally, the patient is asked
to take the deepest breath they can and then exhale into the sensor as hard as possible, for as long
as possible. It is sometimes directly followed by a rapid inhalation, in particular when assessing
possible upper airway obstruction. Sometimes, the test will be preceded by a period of quiet
breathing in and out from the sensor, or the rapid breath in will come before the forced exhalation.
During the test, soft nose clips may be used to prevent air escaping through the nose. Filter
mouthpieces may be used to prevent the spread of microorganisms, particularly for inspiratory
maneuvers.
Results are usually given in both raw data and percent predicted terms. Percent predicted results
are a percent of the "predicted values" for the patients of similar characteristics (height, age, sex,
and sometimes race and weight). The interpretation of the results can vary depending on the
physician and the source of the predicted values. Generally speaking, results nearest to 100%
predicted are most likely, but any results over 80% are considered normal. However, review by a
doctor is necessary for accurate diagnosis of any individual situation.
Preventive Health Lab offers a fairly simple test to detect respiratory function and the onset of
potential respiratory desease. Spirometry (a measurement of breath function) is the most common
of the Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), measuring lung function, specifically the measurement of
the amount (volume) and/or speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. Spirometry is an
important tool used for generating pneumotachographs which are helpful in assessing conditions
such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and COPD.
A spirometry test is performed using a device called a spirometer. The most commonly used
guidelines for spirometric testing and interpretation are set by the American Thoracic Society (ATS)
and the European Respiratory Society (ERS).
Procedure
The basic FVC test varies slightly depending on the equipment used. Generally, the patient is asked
to take the deepest breath they can and then exhale into the sensor as hard as possible, for as long
as possible. It is sometimes directly followed by a rapid inhalation, in particular when assessing
possible upper airway obstruction. Sometimes, the test will be preceded by a period of quiet
breathing in and out from the sensor, or the rapid breath in will come before the forced exhalation.
During the test, soft nose clips may be used to prevent air escaping through the nose. Filter
mouthpieces may be used to prevent the spread of microorganisms, particularly for inspiratory
maneuvers.
Results are usually given in both raw data and percent predicted terms. Percent predicted results
are a percent of the "predicted values" for the patients of similar characteristics (height, age, sex,
and sometimes race and weight). The interpretation of the results can vary depending on the
physician and the source of the predicted values. Generally speaking, results nearest to 100%
predicted are most likely, but any results over 80% are considered normal. However, review by a
doctor is necessary for accurate diagnosis of any individual situation.
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| Preventive Health Lab 816-665-3861 info@preventivehealthlab.com |
The Preventive Health Lab website is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering health care advice. The information provided through this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a
health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult a health care provider. Digital Infrared Imaging of the breast is also known as
Breast Thermography, Thermal Breast Imaging, and Thermal Mammography among others. The authors, editors, producers, sponsors, and contributors shall have no liability, obligation or responsibility to any person or
entity for any loss, damage, or adverse consequence alleged to have happened directly or indirectly as a consequence of this material. This site, and the service described, is solely maintained and provided by the Preventive
Health Lab and is not affiliated with any other financial entity. This site does not accept advertising. Confidentiality of data relating to individual patients and visitors to this Web site, including their identity, is strictly respected.
The owners of this site undertake to honor or exceed the legal requirements of medical/health information privacy that apply in the country and state where this Web site and mirror sites are located.
health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult a health care provider. Digital Infrared Imaging of the breast is also known as
Breast Thermography, Thermal Breast Imaging, and Thermal Mammography among others. The authors, editors, producers, sponsors, and contributors shall have no liability, obligation or responsibility to any person or
entity for any loss, damage, or adverse consequence alleged to have happened directly or indirectly as a consequence of this material. This site, and the service described, is solely maintained and provided by the Preventive
Health Lab and is not affiliated with any other financial entity. This site does not accept advertising. Confidentiality of data relating to individual patients and visitors to this Web site, including their identity, is strictly respected.
The owners of this site undertake to honor or exceed the legal requirements of medical/health information privacy that apply in the country and state where this Web site and mirror sites are located.
