Office spirometry

Abstract

The practicality of the office spirometer as an effective, inexpensive diagnostic device is well established. It can be used in a matter of seconds by minimally trained office personnel. Two basic parameters can be quickly and accurately measured: forced vital capacity (FVC), a test of volume indicative of restrictive lung disease, and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), a test of flow rate indicative of obstructive lung disease. The FEV1/FVC ratio is a valuable screening measurement that indicates the likelihood of progressive deterioration of pulmonary function.