Compliance with the "recommendations SEPAR" on spirometry

The objective of this study was to assess Spanish performance of spirometry and to determine the extent to which practice is in accordance with the 1985 SEPAR recommendations. To that end we formulated a questionnaire with 31 items in two sections, 10 covering basic aspects of compliance with necessary techniques and 21 general questions. The questionnaire was sent to all SEPAR members. One hundred eight responses were received. The results show that the typical spirometric measurement was forced expiration without a bronchodilator test by way of a pneumotacograph, with simultaneous representation of the flow/volume curve. Calibration, when performed, is done daily with a 3 1 syringe and atmospheric data are checked. Spirometric measurements are usually obtained by a registered nurse, who also collects anthropometric data directly from the patient. The patient is usually seated with the nose occluded. At least three and at most eight satisfactory readings are obtained. The criteria for starting and ending the maneuver and the reference values used are those recommended by SEPAR. The equipment is washed weekly with soap and water; calibrations and equipment incidences are not recorded. The level of compliance with 1985 SEPAR norms for forced spirometry is adequate with respect to some technical equipment questions but deficient on basic procedure and quality control.