News You Can Use

Spirometry’s Role In Risk Management

Stand by for some grim statistics. Chronic Respiratory Diseases (COPD) in the U.S. is reaching epidemic proportions. An estimated 28 million are affected, and in addition, 400,00 workers develop occupationally related disorders annually. The associated costs total...

Coaching With Style

In spirometry testing, you may have noticed that the players don’t just step up to the mound and perform their best. They need firm and consistent coaching from the sidelines to give that maximal effort needed for a valid test. The spirometry game becomes a...

Spirometry Quality Control Services

The ATS 1994 Update recommends that spirometry data collection programs be subject to a Quality Control review to insure the continued collection of valid data. The basis for this recommendation stems from the National Lung Health Study which demonstrated that a...

Spirometry Certification Need Not Be Painful

(Palmer Associates Inc.' Teaching Philosophy)"Hello, Students. So your employer sent you for our two day course at this nice hotel so you can earn a certificate by passing an exam tomorrow afternoon"? Feeling a little pressure? Who wouldn't?Over the years we've become...

Fainting During Spirometry

Fainting is the most common complication of Spirometry. Although it rarely results in injury, it is disturbing to both subject and technician and may be hazardous in some instances. For safety of the subject, piece of mind of the technician or nurse, and for optimal...

Why Spirometry Training is Necessary

Spirometry training provides the student with the basic knowledge and skills to correctly perform the test and obtain meaningful data. There needs to be a complete understanding of the three phases of the spirogram curve and what happens to them when acceptability...

Spirometry – The Forgotten Test

By Dr. Alan Palmer Spirometry is the only test available to the primary care physician for the early detection of COPD, when it is most amenable to treatment and perhaps reversal. If this statement is true, why is it not being used more? Dr. Charles Irvin of the...

Small decreases in FEV1 may raise lung cancer risk

Jul 14, 2005 - Canadian scientists have found a significant link between small decreases in lung function and an elevated risk of lung cancer, with a stronger association in women than men.Individuals with severely impaired lung function have an increased risk of lung...

Towards Spirometry Excellence

Towards Spirometry Excellence: Part 1In the last newsletter the need for a “Standard Operating Procedure” (SOP) manual was discussed. This statement details the contents of a useable SOP:1. Prescreening QuestionsThese questions must be asked by the technician prior to...