ERS/ATS technical standard on interpretive strategies for routine lung function tests

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Respiratory Physiology
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) interpretation relies on comparing results to healthy reference populations and integrating clinical data.
• Previous technical standards for PFT interpretation were established by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and European Respiratory Society (ERS) in 2005.
• There is a need to update these standards based on recent scientific literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update the 2005 ATS/ERS technical standards for PFT interpretation.
• To incorporate recent evidence and research findings into new PFT interpretation guidelines.
• To establish updated standards for classifying lung function abnormalities.

Main Methods:

• Development of technical standards by an international, multidisciplinary Task Force appointed by ERS/ATS.
• Comprehensive review of published evidence and literature on PFT interpretation.
• Synthesis of expert knowledge in conducting and interpreting PFTs.

Main Results:

• Updated recommendations for selecting reference equations and defining limits of normal for PFTs.
• Revised interpretation strategies for bronchodilator responsiveness and natural lung function changes over time.
• Enhanced classification protocols for spirometry, lung volumes, and gas transfer impairments based on pathophysiology.

Conclusions:

• Accurate PFT interpretation requires integrating test results with clinical expertise.
• Biological variability and test uncertainty must be considered for appropriate lung function assessment.
• New standards aim to improve the precision of individual lung function measurement interpretation.