Calibration and Quality Control of Spirometer Systems

Abstract

Spirometry is widely used to evaluate pulmonary function in patients with respiratory complaints, in screening programs, in epidemiologic studies, and in research. It is imperative that spirometric results be accurate, because they are used to establish diagnoses and guide therapy. A quality-control program will help verify the accuracy of testing procedures and must be developed based on equipment, personnel, and test application. Calibration is part of quality control and its meaning has evolved to include limited performance-testing. Large syringes and recently available flow calibrators allow determination of spirometer accuracy and make calibration rapid and convenient. They have the additional advantage of being portable and thus can accompany the spirometer on field trips. Calibration techniques may help in other aspects of quality control, such as test methodology and monitoring technician proficiency. Technicians are often evaluated on the ability to prepare, calibrate, and troubleshoot equipment, gain patient cooperation, determine the adequacy of effort, and calculate spirometry results. Calibration techniques may help in many aspects of this evaluation. Finally, advanced techniques may be used to study the methods used in performing clinical spirometry. (Shigeoka JW. Calibration and Quality Control of Spirometer Systems. Respir Care 1983;28:747-753. Key words: Calibration, Lung volume measurements, Quality control, Spirometry.)