Are there guidelines for reporting spirometric test results?
Are there guidelines for reporting spirometric test results?
Yes. The American Thoracic Society committee on proficiency standards addressed the need for a more standardized format, to include information to assist accurate interpretation and to enhance the communication of results to end users
For spirometry, many parameters can be calculated but most do not add clinical utility and should not be routinely reported.
- Only FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC need be routinely reported.
- Measurement of slow VC and calculation of FEV1/VC are a useful adjunct in patients with suspected airflow obstruction.
- Reporting FEV1/FVC (or FEV1/VC) as a decimal fraction, and not reporting it as a percentage of the predicted value for this ratio, will help to minimize miscommunication.