[Lung function tests: the pneumologist and ambulatory care]

Lung function testing (LFT) has been standardized and greatly improved in the last three decades, but its relative complexity has driven to recent sistematization and standardization of its applicability in the office and in primary care. In memorian of Prof António Couto, and of his outstanding role in the promotion of LFT in Potyugal, this conference deals with the definition of office spirometry, its application range, and the essential steps for the performance, in acceptable quality and reproducibility conditioms. The role of the specialist in promoting this method, and his support to possible spirometry performers, is aimed as an important request in the success of the practical and used technique in family practice and primary health care.