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Assessment of airway obstruction plays a key role in the diagnosis and assessment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The spirometric criterion required for a diagnosis of COPD is an FEV1/FVC ratio below 0.7 after bronchodilator.
How to perform spirometry: Explain the purpose of the test and describe it clearly to the patient. It may help to demonstrate or mimic the procedure yourself . Emphasize the need to take a full breath and blow out as fast and hard as possible. Record the patient’s age, sex, and height, and time of last bronchodilator use.