LUNG FUNCTION PRACTICAL
 

OBJECTIVES

At the end of this session you will be familiar with :


How to interpret  lung function test results
How to assess quality
How to assess normality and how to use reference values
How to classify abnormality
interpreting spirometric results from exercises provided

 
Read the materials provided and discuss any questions related to the material.
Interpret a series of lung function test results.

APPROACHING LUNG FUNCTION TEST INTERPRETATION:

The concepts that are covered are:

"PERCENT PREDICTED":

The "Predicted" Value is based on a reference population, and varies by gender, age, height, and ethnicity.

GRADING IMPAIRMENT/SEVERITY:

The South African Thoracic society (SATS) has formulated a set of criteria for grading the extent of lung impairment. These are shown in the table below:

Grading Impairment/Severity (SATS)
Parameter Normal Mild
(Able to meet the physical demands of most jobs)
Moderate
(Diminished ability to meet physical demands of many jobs)
Severe
(Unable to meet physical demands of most jobs)
% predicted FVC ³ 80% 60 - 79 % 51 - 59 £ 50%
% predicted FEV1 ³ 80% 60 - 79 % 41 - 59 £ 40%
FEV1/FVC ³ 70% 60 - 69 % 41 - 9 £ 40%

DECIDING ON REFERENCE VALUES - (for % predicted):

REFERENCES:

  1. Guidelines for office spirometry in adults, South African Thoracic Society.
  2. DME Guideline for Lung Function Testing. If this link does not work, you can access the pdf file directly if you go to the CD into the directory for the lung function practicum.  Click here for instructions.