Proper use of SpirXpert software for evaluating FEV1, FVC and FEV1%FVC
Please take note of the following
- It is implicitly assumed that test results of FEV1 and (F)VC entered for evaluation into SpirXper comply with recommendations issued by ECCS/ERS and ATS. This implies that at least two or three technically acceptable (F)VC maneuvers were obtained with reproducible FEV1 and (F)VC. The values chosen should be the highest FEV1 and the highest (F)VC of any of these maneuvers.
- If, for whatever reason, you decide to enter data into the SpirXpert software that do not meet the above or other generally accepted quality criteria, you should be aware of the fact that you are likely to underestimate the patient's FEV1 and FVC. This might lead you to conclude that there is abnormality when there is not, or to overestimate the degree of abnormality, or to follow up any of the suggestions generated by the software when this is inappropriate.
- Whilst the software provides some guidance on the basis of professional expertise, software is not ever a substitute for a doctor. Any decision that you take in terms of diagnosis, bronchodilator testing, therapy, judging the severity of disease, or any other intervention that affects the patient, must be the decision of a competent doctor who weighs all the available evidence and acts accordingly. The software will be helpful in that respect, but it is the medical professional who decides whether the interpretation and any suggestions generated by the software make the best sense in that particular patient. Treat the patient, not the numbers.
- Carefully take note of the criteria underlying
the software algorithms with respect to
- Airway obstruction
- Bronchodilator responsiveness
- Reversibility of airway obstruction
- VC too low
- FEV1 too low
See also:
software download
17 sets of reference values for adults
13 sets of reference values for children and adolescents