From the Authors
- B. Klug,
- K.G. Nielsen and
- H. Bisgaard
From the authors:
We wish to thank C.S. Pao and colleagues for their comments about our paper on the within-observer and between-observer variability of lung function measurements in young children 1. In contrast to C.S. Pao and colleagues, we found that measurements of airway resistance by the interrupter technique (Rint) differed significantly between observers. We agree that the explanation of this discrepancy is probably that the technical and practical application of the Rint technique differs between our laboratories.
Measurement of Rint has not yet been standardized and the outcome of measurements of Rint may, therefore, differ between laboratories in several respects. In the current efforts to standardize Rint measurements in children, the variability between observers clearly requires consideration. Hopefully, data on the advantages and limitations of different approaches to Rint measurements will be available soon.
We agree with C.S. Pao and colleagues that each laboratory should examine the variability within and between observers, to improve the applicability of Rint for clinical and research purposes.
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