[Spirometry in the Medical Practice - Part 2: Interpretation]

Spirometry in the Medical Practice - Part 2: Interpretation Abstract. The way in which spirometry should be assessed correctly was defined internationally in 2005. Compared to before, it was newly defined that the FEV1/VC ratio is used as a parameter to detect an obstruction. An obstruction is of significance if this measured value is below the 5 % percentile, which is usually indicated as a Z-Score of minus 1,645 in the automatically generated protocol. To generate this value, the software must contain the modern GLI standard values and the patient data (gender, age, height). A proven obstruction shows significant reversibility if bronchospasmolysis improves FEV1 by at least 12 % and 200 ml absolute. The determination of the severity of obstruction is based on the extent of the reduction in FEV1 relative to the individual norm. Even after reading both parts of this publication, ambiguities will still arise in individual cases when performing spirometry in clinical practice. In such cases, it is worthwhile to present these findings to the local pulmonologist for co-assessment. This results in a learning effect that will consolidate expertise.