Evaluation of lung function is important in many clinical scenarios, both when the patient has a history or symptoms suggestive of pulmonary disease, and in the presence of risk factors for lung disease e.g. cigarette smoking. What is Spirometry? • Spirometry is the most commonly performed and useful lung function test. • It includes measurement of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). • Spirometry is readily available, simple to perform and carries low risk to the patient. Why Order Spirometry? • Recommended by the National Asthma Council Australia, Australian Lung Foundation and the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand for diagnosis and management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) • Rapid and objective detection of airflow obstruction, restriction of lung volumes and assessment of severity of impairment • Quantitative assessment of response to therapy • More accurate and reproducible as a measure of airflow obstruction than measurement of peak flow • Allows differentiation between asthma and COPD • May assist in early detection and monitoring of disease progression in COPD • Identification of airflow obstruction may offer encouragement and motivation for patients to quit smoking • Observation of ventilatory changes by spirometry provides patient feedback regarding their disease and effect of medication Advantages of Spirometry • Safe • Most patients tested are able correctly to perform testing procedures • Reproducible • Quick: 10-15 minutes to perform • Immediate availability of results • Standardised performance requirements and testing methods • Comparison of patient results with well characterised normal reference values Measurement of ventilatory function is part of routine assessment of respiratory disease. Spirometry is the lung function test of choice for both diagnosis and serial assessment of obstructive airways disease. The aim of spirometry in general practice is to assess variability of airflow obstruction, and to measure the degree of airflow obstruction compared with predicted normal values. Current clinical practice guidelines recommend that all doctors managing asthma and COPD should have access to and use a spirometer for optimal assessment of lung function. Most adults and children over 7 years of age can perform spirometry. At Laverty Pathology, we offer accurate spirometry conforming to international standards, performed by experienced technicians, and reported by specialist physicians. Spirometry at Laverty Pathology Accurate measurement of ventilatory function is now more accessible. 60 Waterloo Rd, North Ryde NSW 2113. Telephone: (02) 9005 7000 www.laverty.com.au ®