ERS/ATS Spirometry Standard 2019 Part 1: Harmonization with ISO 26782

In the last news article, we announced an in-depth analysis of the following topics related to the new spirometry standard. In today’s article, we will focus on part 1 of the series:

1. Harmonization with ISO 26782
2. FVC maneuver with maximal inspiration and EOFE criteria
3. The new quality grading system
4. Report parameters
5. New criteria for slow VC maneuver and bronchodilator responsiveness testing
6. Newly required usability features

First, it is important to note that the accuracy of the equipment may be dependent on the flow pattern itself. A particular device may, for example, only be accurate at medium flow rates, but not at very low or high flow rates. This is especially important as different diseases also go hand in hand with different flow patterns. COPD patients, for example, tend to have very low flow rates.

To better represent the different flow rates present in humans, ISO 26782 defines a set of 13 different waveforms (or flow patterns) that need to be used for equipment verification and are now mandated by the new spirometry standard.

Key points:

• ISO 26782 is now mandatory
• error tolerance for accuracy is 2.5% (previously 3%)
• ndd products are compliant with the new requirements
• TrueFlow ensures accuracy across all flow rates