How workplace spirometry can assess lung function

How spirometry is used to assess lung function

By Mobile Screening CEO Simon Holt

Spirometry makes it quick and easy to check lung function in the workplace. Spirometry is a lung function test that measures the flow and volume of air entering and leaving the lungs.

During a spirometry test, employees sit upright or stand with their lips sealed tightly around a spirometer mouthpiece attached to a small machine (the spirometer). They are asked to exhale as hard and fast as they can after taking a full breath, until they cannot blow out anymore. This is repeated until readings are consistent.

The spirometry test measures the maximum volume of air that can be forcibly expelled from the lungs from a position of maximum inhalation (forced vital capacity or FVC), the maximum volume of air exhaled in the first second of FVC (forced expiratory volume in one second or FEV1) and the ration of FEV1 and FVC, expressed as a percentage (forced expiratory ration).

Employees can return to their normal activities after being tested, and spirometry is a very low risk test, although some employees might feel tired afterwards.

More information about spirometry testing is available online at Lung Foundation Australia, Asthma Australia or the National Asthma Council.

If you would like to book a workplace spirometry test, contact Mobile Screening on 1300 848 480 or easily request a quote online.