Spirometry Basics Quality Assurance

Spirometry is the most widely used pulmonary function test in clinical practice, providing objective, reproducible measurements of airflow and lung volumes. The test measures how much air a patient can inhale and exhale, and how quickly they can do so. Spirometry serves as a critical diagnostic and monitoring tool for a broad range of respiratory conditions including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and occupational lung diseases. For nurses working in primary care, pulmonology, occupational health, and inpatient settings, understanding spirometry is essential for delivering comprehensive respiratory care.