Office pulmonary function testing

The underutilization of pulmonary function tests is due to many factors, including a general misunderstanding of the physiology involved and confusion over who to test, when and how to test them, and what equipment to use. This article attempts to demystify pulmonary function tests and makes practical suggestions concerning equipment and techniques to be used, discussing those tests that can easily be performed in an office setting: spirometry and peak flow rate.