RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Forced expiratory time (FET) as an indicator for airways obstruction JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP P1819 VO 44 IS Suppl 58 A1 Richard Glover A1 Brendan Cooper A1 Julie Lloyd YR 2014 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P1819.abstract AB Introduction:Diagnostic spirometry requires a complex, calibrated device and expertise to measure and interpret. In poor health economies, an alternate test may be useful to screen for airways obstruction (AO).Aim:To validate FET against the gold standard indicator for AO (FEV1/FVC<LLN).Methods:296 valid2 spirometry results were analysed [M:F, 149:147; Mean Age:67]. Spirometry was measured using NSpire CPL (CO, USA) and GLI (2012) were used to define normality. Data was divided into gender; subsequently, obstructive (FEV1/FVC<LLN), restrictive (FVC<LLN) and normal spirometric patterns. The sensitivity and specificity of FET for AO was tested.Results: Tables 1 & 2 display FET relative to the spirometric patterns obtained.View this table:Male FETView this table:FET in FemalesFET was significantly higher in AO [M, p=< 0.0001, F, p=< 0.0001]. The data suggests FET >11s(M) and >9.5s(F) indicates AO; sensitivity/specificity was 77.3%/70.2%. Of 22 subjects with AO(FEV1/FVC<LLN), but FET <11s (M) and <9.5s (F), 15 subjects failed to achieve volume/time related EOT criteria.Conclusion:FET is generally elevated in AO, but in subjects that do not achieve V/T related EOT criteria, FET is a poor indicator for AO. FET is a product of forced expiratory flow rate, VC and the subject's capability; this last factor limits the clinical utility of FET when screening for AO.References1Quanjer, et al. ERJ 2012;40:1324-432Miller, et al. ERJ 2005;26:319-338.