4 Key Components of Quality Spirometry

Why does the quality of spirometry break down - even when we already 'know how' to do it?


There are 4 KEY COMPONENTS that underpin quality-controlled spirometry


 

Trusted Equipment
Maintained equipment that produces accurate and reliable data through regular maintenance checks, routine calibration and routine cleaning

Competent Operators Who can:
  • understand spirometry guidelines & terminology
  • ensure spirometry is performed to quality standards
  • be able to identify and resolve technical or procedural errors
Prepared Patient
Patients who are primed for spirometry are assessed as physically and physiologically able; cognitively prepared and actively engaged to perform repeated and maximal efforts
Robust Results
Clinically meaningful results must be valid; meet quality criteria and be interpreted with confidence to guide early detection of disease, appropriate disease management, follow up or escalation of care

Malfunction in any of these factors can compromise test quality.

Compromised test quality leads to misdiagnosis and mismanagement of the patient