acceptability, usability, repeatability of spirometry qualities


Regarding acceptability and usability, the BEV must be <5% of FVC or 0.10 L, whichever is greater (choice C is incorrect). An end of forced expiration expiratory plateau <0.025 L in the last 1 s of expiration is necessary for the FVC to be deemed acceptable but is not required for usability to be met (choice D is incorrect).

Repeatability describes the intrasession variability (of acceptable or usable individual maneuvers) on repeated testing with no change in test conditions. The requirement for the difference between the two largest FVC values to be <0.15 L, and the difference between the two largest FEV1 values to be <0.15 L is an updated (and the only) repeatability, not usability, a requirement for spirometry in adults (choice B is incorrect).1

  • BEV: back extrapolated volume 2

Footnotes

  1. SEEK Questionnaires

  2. CHEST Board Review 2024