Spirometry

Spirometry is a breathing test that measures lung function. You exhale forcefully into a tube; the test measures FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) and FVC (forced vital capacity). Used to diagnose and monitor asthma, COPD, restrictive lung disease, and pre-surgical lung-function assessment.

Race-adjustment was historically used in spirometry interpretation, with separate reference values for Black vs white patients. The American Thoracic Society removed this race-adjustment recommendation in 2023, citing that the race-specific reference values had no biological basis and delayed diagnosis for Black patients.