Variability in interpretation of pulmonary function tests

Abstract

We asked 26 pulmonary physicians to interpret results of ten consecutive pulmonary function tests from one laboratory. There was frequent disagreement in their assessment of respiratory impairment. This is likely due to the variety of criteria for grading the severity of obstructive and restrictive defects. Since the narrative interpretation of pulmonary function data may influence patient care, physicians should consider the numerical magnitude of the derangements, as well as the descriptive terms applied.