Definition

1. Noun:
   • The measurement of lung function: Spirometry is a medical procedure that uses a device called a spirometer to measure the volume of air a person can inhale and exhale, as well as the speed of the airflow. It is a standard test for assessing conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory disorders.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor ordered spirometry to evaluate the patient's breathing.
  • Regular spirometry is important for monitoring the progression of lung disease.
  • The results from the spirometry test showed a restrictive pattern.

Advanced Usage

• "To undergo spirometry": to have the test performed.
  • All new employees in the factory must undergo spirometry to check their lung health.
• "Spirometry values" or "spirometric indices": the specific measurements obtained from the test, such as FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in one second) and FVC (Forced Vital Capacity).
  • The pulmonologist analyzed the spirometry values to confirm the diagnosis.

Variants and Related Words

• Spirometer (n): the instrument used to perform spirometry.
  • The technician calibrated the spirometer before the test.
• Spirometric (adj): relating to spirometry.
  • The spirometric data was recorded in the patient's chart.

Synonyms

• Pulmonary function testing (PFT): a broader category of tests that includes spirometry.
• Lung volume measurement.

Related Phrases

• "To perform spirometry": to administer the test.
  • The nurse was trained to perform spirometry accurately.
• "Spirometry interpretation": the analysis of the test results.
  • Spirometry interpretation requires specialized medical knowledge.

Noun

1. the use of a spirometer to measure vital capacity