PFT (Raf) Flashcards
Formula for Rint
Rint = Pao/Flow
Pao at time of occlusion
Flow prior to occlusion
(Need to document if maneuver during inspiration or expiration)
Resistance is for both airway and parenchymal resistance
How many acceptable maneuvers for PFT?
3 acceptable FEV1 and 3 acceptable FVC for grade A recommendation
What is usability versus acceptability of a maneuver?
There are strict criteria for a maneuver to be acceptable. A maneuver may be clinical useful (useable), even if not acceptable
What is the purpose of back extrapolated volume?
To determine the time “0” for the start of forced expiration and all the measurements. On a volume versus time graph, the peak flow corresponds to the steepest slope. Draw a tangent down to x axis to figure out time 0. The volume prior to time 0 is the back extrapolated volume.
Why is it important that the back extrapolated volume is not too high?
It ensures that FEV1 and FVC are from a maximal effort
What should the back extrapolated volume be?
<5% of FVC or <100 mL, which is greater.
This is part of acceptability for both FEV1 and FVC
What is hesitation time?
on the volume time graph that is used to calculate back extrapolated volume, the hestitation time is from maximal inhalation to time 0, as defined based on back extrapolatd volume. It should 2 seconds or less
If there is a high BEV, which parameter will be abnormal?
“eroneously high FEV1”–I don’t understand why
What is the last maneuver on a spirometry test?
- The last maneuver is a maximal inspiration (to TLC). Therefore, we describe EOFE (end of forced exhalation) as opposed to end of test
If EOFE is not achieved, which spirometric parameter is abnormal?
FVC (since the test is not really finished)
What are the criteria for EOFE?
Need to achieve one of: (These are in order of ideal to less ideal, but all are acceptable)
- Plateau: <25 mL/second change in the last second and this is the MOST reliable indicator. (Having glottic closure would over ride meeting this criteria)
- Forced exhalation time of ≥ 15 seconds
OR
- For patients who can’t blow out long enough to achieve plateau (eg. kids who will have elastic recoil), they just need to achieve a consistent FVC, which is: greater than or within repeatability tolerance of largest FVC prior. (If there are 2 different sets of tests done such as pre/post bronchilator, you compare to the FVC within that set)
If EOFE is not met, is there any value in the forced exhalation time maneuver.
Yes, you would be able to use the FEV1 or the FEV0.75. (There is no requirement for a specific forced exhalation time)
How should FIVC compared to FVC for acceptability?
FIVC - FVC <=100 mL or 5% of FVC, which is greater
Which parameter is affected by cough in the first second?
Just the FEV1
Which parameter is affected by glottic closure in the first second? After first second?
First second: FEV1
After first second: FVC
What happens if there is a faulty zero flow setting?
Can over or underestimate both FEV1 and FVC
What are the within test acceptability criteria?
Start of test:
- Back extrapolated volume <5% of FVC or 100 mL, which is greater
- FIVC-FVC <5% of FVC or 100 mL, which is greater
(Same numbers to memorize for these initial criteria)
During test:
- No faulty zero flow setting
- No cough in first second
- No glottic closure in first second or after first scecond
- No leak
- No obstruction of mouthpiece
End of forced exhalation, achieve 1 of the 3 criteria:
- Plateau: <25 mL/second change in the last second of the test
- Expiratory time >=15 seconds
- FVC is larger than or within repeatability tolerance of the largest FVC prior
For the within test criteria, which criteria are NOT required for usability, but ARE required for acceptability?
4 of them:
- Glottic closure after first second
- Leak of mouthpiece
- Obstruction of mouthpiece
- FIVC - FVC
- All of the end of forced exhalation criteria
What are the repeatability criteria for >6 years of age?
- Two largest (so the largest and next largest) FVC within 150 mL
- Two largest FEV1 within 150 mL
What are the repeatability criteria for <= 6 years of age?
- Two largest FVC are within 100 mL or 10% of largest value, whichever is greater
- Two largest FEV1 are within 100 mL or 10% of largest value, whichever is greater
What is the maximum number of maneuvers?
8 in adults, may do more in children, be mindful of fatigue
For the spirometry report, how are other values (besides FEV1 and FVC determined)?
- FEV1/FVC is from the chosen FEV1 and FVC values
From the maneuver with highest sum of FEV1 and FVC
Which FEV1 and FVC for the spirometry report?
- FIVC and PEF: largest values from maneuver with acceptable FEV1
- Forced exhalation time is from maneuver with largest FVC
Do we measure bronchodilator reversibility or responsiveness?
Better to use the word “responsiveness” than “reversibility”, as per ATS 2019
When should BD testing be done?
- Initial diagnostic spirometry and then as needed
What is the BD withholding time for SABA?
4-6 hours
What is the BD withhold time for SAMA (eg. ipratropium)
12 hours
What is the BD withhold time for LABA (eg. formoterol, salmeterol?
24 hours (36 hours for methacholine challenge as per ERS 2017)
What is the BD withhold time for LAMA (eg. tiotropium)
36-48 hours
Does ICS need to be withheld for BD testing?
NO
Does LTRA need to be witheld for BD testing?
No
How is BD testing done?
Ventolin 100 mcg/puff x 4 doses, then wait 15 minutes