Normal spirometry

Question 1

What is the meaning of repeatability?

Answer 1

This is the variation in measurement using repeat measurements under IDENTICAL conditions (same patient, equipment, operator).

Question 2

What is the meaning of reproducibility?

Answer 2

Variation in measurement where there are DIFFERENT conditions (patient on different days, different spirometer, different operator).

Question 3

What are sources of error in spirometry?

Answer 3

-equipment
-environment
-procedures and protocols
-patient (compliance- operator giving similar info)
-physiologist (competency checks).

Question 4

What makes repeatable results?

Answer 4

Less than 150ml between the highest and next best result.