Product Manual

Spirometry tests
Overview of the testing process
A single test comprises a set of efforts — up to 6 FVC efforts. The 6 efforts of a given
type can be a mixture of pre- and post-medication efforts.
About FVC efforts
“FVC” stands for forced vital capacity. The goal of an FVC effort is to measure the
volume and flow of air. Patients inhale fully then exhale forcefully. Sometimes they also
inhale forcefully.
When ready to begin an FVC effort, you coach the patient through these steps. (If
preferred, you may reverse the order of inhaling and exhaling.)
1.
Inhale fully — calmly fill your lungs as much as you can.
2. Place the flow transducer in your mouth.
3. Exhale forcefully — as fast as you can, as long as you can.
4. (Optional) Inhale forcefully — as fast as you can, as long as you can.
During FVC testing, an optional animated incentive screen provides an alternative way to
view the data. This screen gives patients a goal to achieve while exhaling. Touch the
Settings tab. Touch the Spirometry tab. Select one of the animation Incentive options
from drop down menu.
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Fireman
• Frog
• Dandelion
• Birthday
About the spirometry parameters
During FVC testing, many parameters are measured and calculated. For definitions of
these parameters, see the Glossary.
During FVC testing, the two most important parameters in determining lung problems
are FVC and FEV1. (For a description of how the automatic interpretation software uses
these two measurements to determine the degree of obstruction or restriction, see
Understanding Your Interpretation Results .
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FVC — forced vital capacity, the maximum volume of air that can be forcibly and
rapidly exhaled
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