Standardized pulmonary function testing

Pulmonary function tests provide an objective index of how well the respiratory system is functioning to achieve adequate airflow, ventilation, and oxygenation. These tests assess the volumes and flows that are associated with normal tidal breathing, and forced inspiration and exhalation. Pulmonary function can be assessed through a variety of methods including body plethysmography, spirometry, gas diffusion tests, and forced oscillation technique also known as oscillometry. This chapter primarily covers two methods of assessing pulmonary function-spirometry and plethysmography. Spirometry is the gold standard for measuring lung function, and reference values are readily available for comparison.