TY - JOUR T1 - Consensus statement for inert gas washout measurement using multiple and single breath tests JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J DO - 10.1183/09031936.00069712 SP - erj00697-2012 AU - Paul Robinson AU - P. Latzin AU - S. Verbanck AU - G.L. Hall AU - A. Horsley AU - M. Gappa AU - C. Thamrin AU - H.G.M Arets AU - P. Aurora AU - S. Fuchs AU - G.G. King AU - S. Lum AU - K. Macleod AU - M. Paiva AU - J. Pillow AU - S. Ranganathan AU - F. Ratjen AU - F. Singer AU - S. Sonnappa AU - J Stocks AU - P. Subbarao AU - B. Thompson AU - P.M. Gustafsson Y1 - 2012/01/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/early/2013/02/21/09031936.00069712.abstract N2 - Inert gas washout tests, performed using the single or multiple breath washout technique (SBW and MBW, respectively), were first described over 60 years ago. As measures of ventilation distribution inhomogeneity, they offer complementary information to standard lung function tests such as spirometry as well as improved feasibility across wider age ranges and improved sensitivity in the detection of early lung damage. These benefits have led to a resurgence of interest in these techniques from manufacturers, clinicians and researchers, yet detailed guidelines for washout equipment specifications, test performance and analysis are lacking. This manuscript provides recommendations about these aspects, applicable to both the paediatric and adult testing environment, whilst outlining the important principles that are essential for the reader to understand. These recommendations are evidence-based where possible but in many places represent expert opinion from a working group with a large collective experience in the techniques discussed. Finally, the important issues that remain unanswered are highlighted. By addressing these important issues and directing future research, the hope is to facilitate the incorporation of these promising tests into routine clinical practice. ER -