Performing Spirometry
Overview
Correct spirometry technique is vital for collecting an accurate sample, and poor compliance with the test may result in a false positive or false negative result.
How to Perform
- Attach the mouthpiece to spirometer
- Ask the patient to breath in deeply
- Ask the patient to blow into the spirometer as hard and as fast as possible, until there is no breath left
- Encourage the patient to keep blowing out for at least six seconds
- Repeat the procedure three times total, ensuring that the best two are within 100mL or 5% of each other
- Calculate the predicted values based on the patient's sex, age and height
- Calculate the percent predicted, based on the patient's results
Contraindications to Spirometry
- Acutely unwell
- Haemoptysis of unknown origin
- Pneumothorax
- Recent abdominal, thoracic or eye surgery
- Recent MI
- Thoracic or abdominal aneurysm
Contributors to Poor Readings
- Incomplete inhalation prior to the test
- Lack of effort on exhalation
- Stopping exhalation early
- Poor seal around the mouthpiece
- Exhalation through the nose
- Coughing
Next Page
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------