Check the spirometer calibration |
Explain the test |
Prepare the subject |
Ask about smoking, recent illness, medication use, etc. |
Measure weight and height without shoes |
Wash hands |
Instruct and demonstrate the test to the subject, to include |
Correct posture with head slightly elevated |
Inhale rapidly and completely |
Position of the mouthpiece (open circuit) |
Exhale with maximal force |
Perform manoeuvre (closed circuit method) |
Have subject assume the correct posture |
Attach nose clip, place mouthpiece in mouth and close lips around the mouthpiece |
Inhale completely and rapidly with a pause of <1 s at TLC |
Exhale maximally until no more air can be expelled while maintaining an upright posture |
Repeat instructions as necessary, coaching vigorously |
Repeat for a minimum of three manoeuvres; no more than eight are usually required |
Check test repeatability and perform more manoeuvres as necessary |
Perform manoeuvre (open circuit method) |
Have subject assume the correct posture |
Attach nose clip |
Inhale completely and rapidly with a pause of <1 s at TLC |
Place mouthpiece in mouth and close lips around the mouthpiece |
Exhale maximally until no more air can be expelled while maintaining an upright posture |
Repeat instructions as necessary, coaching vigorously |
Repeat for a minimum of three manoeuvres; no more than eight are usually required |
Check test repeatability and perform more manoeuvres as necessary |
TLC: total lung capacity.