title: Value based interpretation of pulmonary function tests.
abstract: Two contrasting errors in spirometric interpretation are the inappropriate conclusion of "normality" (type I) and of "abnormality" (type II). A survey of 67 health professionals showed major interpersonal and intersituational differences in opinion about the optimal relative proportions of type I and type II errors. This suggests the need for caution in the commonly employed practice of interpretation based on a 5 percent false positive rate.
mesh_terms: D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D012016:Reference Values; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests / Q000592:standards*; D013147:Spirometry / Q000592:standards; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014797:Vital Capacity / Q000592:standards