In tutorial 6, we explore how to review and confirm the spirometry results are good quality, what to do when a patient does not meet the acceptability and reproducibility criteria, and how to check for equipment errors.

Key messages:

• The criteria that suggests the tests have been performed with optimal technique is the acceptability and reproducibility criteria. If the spirometry results do not meet this criteria, they should not be interpreted, especially if you are basing a diagnosis on this test.
• If you are not happy with the test results, try and reschedule the spirometry test for another day.
• The best way to check that the spirometer is working properly, is by performing a syringe verification and this should be performed before every spirometry session.