Abstract
The aim of this position paper is to define quality control and acceptance criteria for measuring passive respiratory mechanics in infants using the occlusion techniques to ensure that valid results are obtained. These guidelines cover numerous aspects including: 1) terminology and definitions; 2) equipment; 3) data acquisition; 4) data handling and analysis; 5) reporting of results. Adherence to these guidelines should ensure that measurement of passive respiratory mechanics in infants in different lung function laboratories could be performed with an acceptable degree of safety, precision, and reproducibility. This will facilitate multi-centre collection of data and performance of clinical investigations.
- infant
- occlusion techniques
- passive respiratory mechanics
- respiratory function tests
- respiratory mechanics
- standardization
This work was supported by a grant from the European Respiratory Society, and by donations from Glaxo-Wellcome (UK) and Glaxo-Wellcome AB (Sweden).
- Received March 10, 2000.
- Accepted June 14, 2000.
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