Asthma diagnosis by spirometry. Sensitive or specific?
Spirometry is the recommended first-line investigation for diagnosing asthma, with greater than 15% improvement in FEV1 considered diagnostic. However, evidence suggests a majority of asthmatics may go undetected at 15%, thus a lower diagnostic value may be preferred.
King
D
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Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Queensland.
D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013147:Spirometry