Editorial: Reference values in lung function testing: All for one and one for all? || FREE PAPER ||

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Author: Brendan G Cooper

Published Date October 2007 Volume 2007:2(3) Pages 189 - 190

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/COPD.S

Brendan G Cooper

Consultant Clinical Scientist, Honorary Chair, ERS Group 9.01; Lung Investigation Unit, 1st Floor Nuffield House, Queen Elizabeth Site, Metchley Park Road, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, B15 2TH, UK

Abstract: Lung function tests are used in clinical practice to detect “abnormality” against a background of “normal” function. “Abnormality” may be determined either by (i) detection of some discrete abnormality (eg, the shape of the flow volume loop) or (ii) by the use of reference values to show a relative change in values (eg, forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV₁] = 30% of predicted) or (iii) relative differences in several values (eg, obstructive spirometry but relatively raised lung volumes). Lung function tests are also used to longitudinally monitor therapy or disease progression.