What Is Spirometry?

Spirometry is a simple, non-invasive test that measures how much air a patient can breathe in and out, and how quickly. It's one of the most common tests used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory disorders.

During the test, the patient breathes into a mouthpiece connected to the spirometer, which records airflow and volume over time. The resulting values, such as forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume (FEV1), are compared against predicted normal ranges based on the patient's age, height, and sex.

Because results depend heavily on patient effort and technique, consistent staff training and proper calibration of the equipment are just as important as the device itself for getting reliable, comparable readings over time.

ICare Life's pulmonary and vascular diagnostics portfolio, including transcutaneous oxygen monitoring and vascular assessment systems, complements spirometry testing for facilities building out a fuller respiratory and vascular workup.