Open AccessPerformance and interpretation of spirometry among S wedish hospitals
Author(s) -
Belfrage Björn,
Hansson Anders,
Bake Björn
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the clinical respiratory journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.789
H-Index - 33
eISSN - 1752-699X
pISSN - 1752-6981
DOI - 10.1111/crj.12255
Subject(s) - medicine , spirometry , interpretation (philosophy) , intensive care medicine , medical physics , physical therapy , asthma , computer science , programming language
Background and Aims It is unclear to what extent spirometric performance and interpretation is standardized in S weden. The aim of this study was to find out how spirometry is performed and interpreted in large S wedish hospitals. Methods In telephone interviews, technicians and physicians working with lung function measurements at 21 large S wedish hospitals were interviewed about routines for spirometry. Results Answers were obtained from 37 of the 42 departments contacted revealing differences in the spirometric routines. Some departments lack a written method description, and three different prediction equations were used among the departments. Different ways of calculating the forced expiratory volume in 1 s ( FEV 1)/vital capacity ( VC ) ratio ( FEV %) were found and also differences in performance and interpretation of the reversibility test. When diagnosing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, none of the departments reported using an individualized diagnostic limit of FEV 1/ VC based on age, sex and height. Conclusion There is a need for standardization of performance and interpretation of the spirometry test in S weden and probably also in other countries.