Etymed
spirometry
Definition
A diagnostic test that measures how much air a person can inhale and exhale, and how quickly they can exhale
Clinical context
A 65-year-old man presents to the clinic with a 3-month history of progressive shortness of breath and chronic cough. His pulmonary function tests reveal a significant reduction in FEV1/FVC ratio with normal FEV1, suggesting obstructive lung disease. Spirometry is ordered to confirm the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Mnemonic
S-P-I-R-O-M-E-T-R-Y: Sigh, Push, Inhale, Rapidly, Exhale, Maximize, Effort, Rate