[Current use, methodology and evaluation of nonspecific bronchial provocation tests in our country]

With the aim of determining the current use of non-specific bronchial inhalation challenge (BIC) testing in Spain, 147 questionnaires were sent to hospitals with pneumology departments or units. The questionnaire covered general, technical and methodological aspects of this diagnostic procedure, as well as its assessment and interpretation. Of the 42 informants who returned questionnaires, mainly from large urban hospitals, 34 reported using BIC. The most widespread criterion applied in deciding to use BIC was the presence of atypical asthma symptoms (33/34). The stimulus most often used was methacholine inhalation (33/34). We found that technical preparation of the drug was highly standardized, but that administration and follow-up protocols differed greatly. There was also great variety in the PC20/PD20 value assigned to indicate bronchial hyperresponsiveness. This study contributes to our better understanding of the current use of BIC in Spain and highlights the need to work toward greater standardization for this diagnostic procedure, to enable us to assess and interpret the results more consistently.