ERS/ATS Spirometry Standard 2019 Part 2

To continue our in-depth analysis of the new spirometry standard, in today’s article, we will focus on part 2 of the series:

1. Harmonization with ISO 26782
2. FVC maneuver with maximal inspiration and end of test 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

Flow-Volume Loop (FVL) becomes the standardized test procedure to obtain FEV1 and FVC

Upon completing forced expiration, the patient should rapidly inspire to full inflation. As opposed to FVC, measurements of forced inspiration VC (FIVC) provide extra information on maneuver quality. ndd products already support this test procedure.

Minimum of 6s expiration no longer required

Meeting the plateau criterion alone is now sufficient to obtain a satisfactory end of forced expiration (EOFE). Besides the plateau criterion, the new standard also specifies two additional independent indicators for an acceptable EOFE: a forced expiratory time (FET) of 15s, or repeatedly achieving the same FVC within the repeatability tolerance.

EasyOne Connect (v3.05.01.07 or higher) already allows not enforcing the minimum 6s expiration criterion.