Quality Assured Diagnostic Spirometry

To be of clinical value, diagnostic spirometry has to be performed to a high standard. If it is not, there is a significant risk that the diagnosis will be incorrect and patients may receive inappropriate and potentially harmful treatment as a result, or be denied appropriate treatments that could potentially improve their condition. To be valid, diagnostic spirometry must be quality-assured.

Spirometry should only be performed by people who have been appropriately assessed as competent, demonstrating that they have achieved the standards established by the ARTP for the performance and interpretation of spirometry measurements. Without this overall quality assurance, the accuracy of the diagnosis cannot be relied upon.