Spirometry

Patient Preparation: The patient is typically seated comfortably. Before the test, the healthcare professional explains the procedure and provides instructions to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Mouthpiece and Nose Clip: The patient is given a mouthpiece attached to a spirometer, which is a device that measures airflow. A nose clip may be applied to ensure that air is only exchanged through the mouth.
Baseline Measurements: The patient takes a deep breath and then exhales forcefully and completely into the spirometer. This initial measurement, known as the forced vital capacity (FVC), represents the maximum amount of air a person can exhale after a deep inhalation.
Forced Expiration: After the initial deep inhalation, the patient exhales as forcefully and rapidly as possible. This measurement is called the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and represents the amount of air expelled in the first second of the forced breath.
Repeat Measurements: The procedure is typically repeated several times to ensure accuracy and consistency of the results. The best values obtained for FVC and FEV1 are used for analysis.
Post-Bronchodilator Testing (Optional): In some cases, spirometry may be repeated after the administration of a bronchodilator (a medication that opens up the airways) to assess the reversibility of airflow obstruction, which can help differentiate between conditions like asthma and COPD.

Clinic Procedures