© 2004 American Thoracic Society
Repeatability of SpirometryTo the Editor:I would add one caveat to the conclusion that Enright and colleagues (1) reached that, with regard to spirometry, "the ability to meet or exceed repeatability goals depends largely on the skill and perseverance of the technician and very little on patient characteristics." Testing needs to be performed in good faith. This is not always the case in applicants who are applying for worker's compensation or Social Security disability benefits. In those circumstances, even the most experienced, persistent, and competent technicians are often unable to obtain three reproducible spirograms. The failure to meet or exceed repeatability goals in these circumstances does indeed depend on patient characteristics. This problem is more common than generally recognized.
St. Luke's Medical Center Milwaukee, Wisconsin FOOTNOTES Conflict of Interest Statement: S.A.L. does not have a financial relationship with any commercial entity that has an interest in the subject of this letter. Dr. Paul Enright was given the opportunity to respond to this letter but declined to do so. REFERENCES
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