Recommendations for Performing Spirometry

Spirometry is the main diagnostic procedure for most respiratory diseases. This document sets out the principal recommendations for performing and interpreting the test in adult and pediatric populations, in accordance with current evidence-based guidelines and standards. It is important to be familiar with the indications and contraindications of the test, as well as the technical requirements of the equipment and the facilities where it is performed. The personnel responsible for conducting the test must have appropriate training in order to obtain maneuvers of sufficient quality for subsequent interpretation. The quality grade of each test must be determined before interpretation. Spirometric tests should be interpreted using updated reference values appropriate for each patient group, and in addition to assessing whether the measured values are within normal limits, spirometry can provide information suggestive of specific patterns indicative of airway disease, parenchymal lung disease, or even disorders of the chest wall. Performing spirometry after administration of a bronchodilator is also often required for the diagnosis of certain respiratory diseases, and standardization of this procedure is essential in order to interpret the changes in spirometric values after bronchodilation.