Derivation, application, and utility of static lung volume measurements

Measurement of static lung volumes remains an important tool to verify and quantify the existence of pulmonary dysfunction. The utility of these measurements, however, is dependent on the knowledge and skills of the technologist, who must ensure that the equipment is operating in an acceptable fashion as well as ensuring that the subject is performing the tests as directed. The technologist as well as the physician interpreting the final results must be cognizant of the limitations associated with each procedure employed in the testing process and be able to verify if the derived data are compatible with the patient's clinical presentation. Laboratories are encouraged to develop their own quality-control programs and monitors to ensure testing is in accordance with published recommendations. By standardizing the testing process, variability is reduced. Ultimately, test quality and patient management will improve.